Whether you need to boost your own energy levels, or calm your children down, food is one of the most powerful natural tools in your medicine cabinet.
Avoid nutrient deficient ‘food’
A nutrient-deficient diet high in sugar, alcohol, and artificial additives can impact adversely on health, behaviour, cognitive ability, and susceptibility to stress and allergies, for adults and children alike. By contrast, a well-balanced diet which eliminates processed and artificial food, and emphasises consumption of fresh vegetables, can reduce both the incidence of ailments, and the volatility of family life. At CNM, we teach that natural food is best, which means fresh, unprocessed, and preferably organic.
Get your children involved
Children love getting involved with the fun of planning and preparation for Christmas, and it’s never too soon for them to learn respect for food. Ask them to help draw up a list of healthy food stuffs needed, and make a trip to a local farm shop or health food shop, part of the fun. Let them help you with safe cooking tasks. Challenge them to see how many health-giving differently coloured vegetables they can eat per meal. Never use a microwave, which denatures food.
Take care what snacks you put out. Avoid sweets, which can agitate, and offer bowls of fresh fruit and nuts instead.
Focus on healthy drinks
Fizzy drinks, anything containing artificial colours and flavours, and high fructose corn syrup should be avoided. Adults can do their bit too: caffeine and alcohol can put your mood on a roller-coaster. Pure water, diluted natural juices which do not contain added sugar, and herbal teas are great for all the family.
Build a natural First Aid kit
Have in your home first aid kit the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica which can be helpful if someone has over-indulged in rich food or drink. Chamomile and Peppermint tea can ease abdominal pain after over-eating. If you really need extra help to combat stress, see your naturopathic herbalist or homeopath who can prescribe something effective but non-addictive.
Take a walk
Finally, why not wrap up warm and get everyone out of doors for a walk in the park? It’s healthy, costs nothing, promotes togetherness, and allows the children to let off steam. It also allows us to reconnect with nature and put things into perspective.
