Help Your Child Enjoy the Holidays While Healing
So you’ve made the decision to place your child on protocol, or you have vowed to remove some or all of the foods that feed pathogens in your child’s growing body. For the most part, you find that you’re prepared and ready to take on the world, and not tempted to stray from the plan set in place. But, what about the holidays? You’ve got all kinds of temptations all around, and, no doubt, sweet Great Aunt Betty (or your family’s equivalent) will say “aww, can’t you let him have just one cookie?” right in front of him. It. Is. Hard.
Not only do you feel in some way like you have to explain to others what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, but you also don’t want your child to feel deprived. Even though you may be teaching your child how food is medicine, and that good foods make his body strong and his brain smart, and so on, all the social norms and pressure around him/us can be a major challenge!
If your child is on protocol, due to allergies, past issues, or just because, here are some suggestions for not just surviving, but ENJOYING, all that comes to us this time of year.
10 Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy the Magic of the Holidays While Continuing on a Healing Path
1. Fill up with a healing meal before you go
Feed your child something he really likes that will fill him up before you go! Full bellies are less likely to be tempted bellies.
2. Load up on fruits
This can happen before you go or once you arrive (or even on the drive between). Thankfully, MOST get-togethers have some type of fruit available.
3. Snack often
Again, not allowing your child to go too long without eating will help him stay on the healing plan. Greens and fruits together are going to help keep him stay satisfied so the chances of an argument over junk food are less likely to occur.
4. Pack a meal, appetizer, or snack to share with everyone
This can be a simple fruit tray or a more involved recipe. Just knowing you have at least one thing available for your family will take some pressure off. Here is a great resource some Medical Medium holiday pies , or you can try our carrot muffins with coconut cream frosting recipe.
5. Let your child help prepare/cook the item(s) you’re bringing
This increases the odds that your child will be totally invested in, and even proud of, what it is you’re bringing to the table.
6. If your child is old enough, continue to remind him about how good food impacts our bodies.
A gentle reminder of why your family eats the way you do can go a long way. Try your best to keep the talk positive and empowering versus dwelling on what he can’t/shouldn’t have.
7. Focus on the PEOPLE more than the food!
Keep in mind that seeing our loved ones is a great part of the holidays! Encourage your child to enjoy his time with cousins, grandparents, etc., rather than staying in the kitchen and fixating on food.
Some basic reminders for general maintenance of good health and immunity are:
8. Keep hydrated
Dehydration can lead to cravings, overeating, headaches, fatigue, and low energy, all of which can send us straight to the heaping plate of cookies. Alternatively, staying hydrated keeps the immune system working top notch, and can also help curb the cravings for junk.
9. Maintain supplements
In all the chaos of holiday time, remember that we’re often in contact with even more people than normal. It is especially important to keep up with your supplement routines.
10. Remember your Vitamin C
Juicing oranges and kiwis are quick and easy ways to add extra Vitamin C to your day!
Final Thoughts/Holiday Gift Ideas
Don’t forget to check out our free gift guide for ideas for those on a healing path !
A new Empowered Moms course is coming in February!! Be sure to check out all the details on the Empowered Moms course page.
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