WINTER HEALTH NEWSLETTER

I hope this newsletter finds you in the best of health and in the spirit of happiness and joy. With the celebrations underway and the year coming to an end, its time to give your immune system a boost, as well, protect it.

With all the festivities, it is hard to say no to all those scrumptious-calorie laden foods, don’t worry; we have some great health tips for you to keep you in shape. Have a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

In this newsletter:

• How To Naturally Boost Your Immune System


• Curbing Your Weight Gain During The Holidays


• Brown Sugar Ginger Shortbread Cookies Recipe

HOW TO NATURALLY BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

As the weather gets colder, the amount of sunshine you get decreases, and the immune system seems to take a hit especially in people that suffer from sleeping issues and are stressed.

Most people tend to get a cold or two in this weather that lasts a few days to a week. If you have been experiencing an unusual amount of colds and flu, and the duration of the illness is lasting much longer, your immune system might need a tune up.

There are various natural products that help to boost the immune system such as:

1. Astragalus root, Vitamin C and D, Echinacea, Moducare and Zinc.


2. It is very important that you are get a minimum of seven hours of sleep and are eating well.


3. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, which can have an adverse affect on your adrenal system and in turn effect your immune system in a negative way.


4. If possible, try to get away and get some sunshine for a few days to top up on those Vitamin D levels.

CURBING YOUR WEIGHT GAIN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

With all those scrumptious yummy cookies and cakes, pastries and chocolates, it is hard to avoid that extra few pounds that you have been working so hard to keep off. So here are a few tips that will help curb that weight gain.

1. Everything in moderation. Enjoy the foods but in moderation. Just because everything is available in abundance, you do not have to put it in your body in abundance. If you restrict yourself completely from the goodies, chances are when you do get your hands on them, you will have more than what your body would appreciate, so treat your self, and have a small piece, this way the craving is satisfied, and so are you without feeling guilt.


2. Hydrate your body. If you are going to be attending a party, and you know with parties comes lots of good food, here is what you can do to make sure you don’t over indulge. Drink a couple of glasses of water before heading out, this will ensure that your body is not only hydrated, but satiated, ensuring limited food intake. A recent weight loss study confirmed that this. The weight loss that comes with it is just the bonus!


3. Cook healthier. If you are hosting Christmas party, and if you are going to be doing most of the cooking, here are some simple substitutions you can make to make foods less calorie dense. Instead of regular sugar, you could stevia in your baking, instead of sour cream, you could use light yoghurt or cottage cheese-which is much higher protein and more filling.

BROWN SUGAR GINGER SHORTBREAD COOKIES RECIPE

Ingredients (yields 3 dozen cookies):

• 1 cup margarine (Becel) / butter
• 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp of ginger powder + cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder
• 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
• 2 1/2 cups of all- purpose flour (you can also use 1 cup rice flour instead of using just all – purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon of coriander chopped finely
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk

Instructions:

Mix in all the ingredients in a large bowl, and gather the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in a plastic wrap and keep refrigerate until firm (1 hr) or for up to 3 days.

Preheat the oven to 300 degree F.

On a lightly floured board, roll out the dough to 1⁄4 “ thick in thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters, or simply cut into rectangles.

Place on lightly greased sheets - lightly sprinkled with flour. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until firm to the touch (press very lightly to test). I like them browned a little – just gives them that perfect taste. Transfer to racks to cool them. Store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Enjoy with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate or herb tea!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support, referrals and trust in our services. I would like to wish everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR on behalf of myself and clinic staff and therapists. We look forward to serving you and helping you heal and reach your health goals. You can always count on us for all your health goals.

For any questions, or concerns, or to schedule an initial naturopathic appointment, please contact us at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email us at [email protected]

* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.