Budgeting For A Healthy Holiday

While the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, unfortunately, it’s also a time when Americans overspend. How do we thrive, not just survive, at this time of year?

With rising grocery prices, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank. But I want to help you strategize how to maintain optimum wellness during the holidays. There are ways to nourish your body without draining your wallet.

The High Cost of Convenience

Sometimes, easier isn’t better. While convenience foods can be tempting, they often come with a hefty price tag – both financially and for your health . Processed foods may seem like a quick and easy solution, but their hidden costs include higher grocery bills and long-term health consequences.

Whole Foods, Whole Paycheck? While it may seem counterintuitive, buying whole, unprocessed foods might feel more expensive upfront, they’re an investment in your health and longevity. Whole foods nourish your body, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and ultimately save money on medical expenses down the road. Choosing nutrient-dense options can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life.

What’s the best way to implement smart shopping strategies during the holidays?

Prioritize staples: Stock up on affordable staples like rice, beans, and turkey to create delicious and nutritious meals. Notoriously, grocery stores cut the cost of turkey during the holidays – a marketing strategy. Take advantage of this year’s holiday pricing and buy more than one.

Furthermore, utilize all the turkey pieces even after you’ve finished the meat. Here is a tasty recipe for bone broth with just three ingredients. Bone broth is a way to use up leftover bones and vegetables. Drink it as a warm beverage or use it as a soup base; bone broth is packed with healthy nutrients like calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamins A and B, and collagen.

Think inside the box: Many times, fresh fruits and vegetables go unused. When focusing on your food budget, throwing spoiled food away can feel like throwing dollars away. What about using frozen vegetables, as needed, rather than fresh? Often, they are more affordable and just as nutritious.

Organic vs conventional- The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen can help you prioritize where to spend on organic options, and when you can save money by buying conventional produce without worrying about compromising your health.

• THE DIRTY DOZEN: strawberries, spinach, kale/ mustard greens/ collard greens, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell/ hot peppers, cherries, blueberries and green beans.

Focus on organic options for these foods when possible to avoid higher pesticide exposure.

• THE CLEAN FIFTEEN: carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, mushrooms, watermelon, cabbage, kiwi, honeydew, asparagus, sweet peas (frozen), papaya, onions, pineapple, sweet corn and avocados.

These are lower in pesticide residues, so conventional options are generally safe.

This knowledge is especially helpful when planning holiday meals on a budget. A little strategic shopping can make clean eating more affordable during the holidays.

Adopting a Stress-Free Holiday Mindset

One of the biggest challenges during the holiday season is not the stressors but how you relate to them. Overindulging in unhealthy foods and drinks can exacerbate stress and lead to health consequences. Instead of beating yourself up for occasional indulgences, practice compassion. It’s not all or nothing – it’s about making small incremental steps and choices that lead to true transformation.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the holiday season with kindness:

• Plan ahead: Create a meal plan to avoid impulsive food choices.
• Cook at home: Prepare home cooked meals to save money and control ingredients.
• Mindful eating: By utilizing this powerful tool you can stay connected to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Doing this helps you to make healthier choices and maintain a balanced diet during the holidays, enhancing your overall well-being.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and poor sleep.
• Practice self-care: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as yoga, meditation, massage (5 more days left on massage gift certificate special – use promo code MASSAGEGIFT40 !) or spending time in nature, can provide much-needed support and help you navigate the festivities with less stress and more enjoyment.

Remember, the key to a healthy holiday season is balance. By making conscious choices and practicing self-care, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your well-being.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your health goals and learn how functional medicine can help. Call 303-688-6698 or book online.

Dr. Adam Graves, ND, LAc, practices functional medicine, a personalized, patient-centered approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is located in Castle Rock, CO.

We help you transform your habits into healthy ones and achieve lasting wellness. Whether you’re struggling with digestive issues, fatigue, or emotional stress, Dr. Graves is here to support you.