7 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

This article is in partnership with Tattersall Functional Beverage Let’s be real. The holidays are supposed to be merry and bright, but sometimes they feel more frantic and fried. Between the shopping, the hosting, the travel, and the sugar rushes and crashes, our stress hormones don’t always get the memo that this season is about joy. Here’s how to actually unwind this year in body, mind, and spirit, so that you can show up as your calmest, most grounded self and actually enjoy the holiday season. 1. Keep Your Blood Sugar (and Mood) Merry and Bright When we’re stressed, cortisol spikes and so do cravings for sugar and carbs. Keeping your meals balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps those “holiday hanger” moments in check. Make starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast a non-negotiable. Hard-boiled eggs with sliced avocado or Greek yogurt with berries and hemp seeds are two go-to easy options. You’ll have more steady energy and patience for those long checkout lines and holiday traffic. 2. Move to Manage Stress (and Digest the Cookies) You don’t need a 60-minute workout to get the mental health benefits of exercise. Even a brisk 10-minute walk after meals can help regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, and trigger endorphins that counter stress hormones. Think of movement as your emotional reset button not a punishment for indulging and you may be more motivated to get it in. This holiday season make an after lunch or dinner bundled up walk your movement and “me” time. 3. Reimagine “Happy Hour” If you love the ritual of a cocktail but not the aftereffects, consider swapping your drink for a zero-proof option that still feels special. One favorite in our holiday rotation: Tattersall Functional Beverages—non-alcoholic, THC-infused drinks made with adaptogens and electrolytes to help you enjoy without the hangover. Their Uplift blend contains adaptogens like lion’s mane and rhodiola rosea to deliver the perfect state for lightening the mood and socializing. The flexible dosing and predictable effects make it the perfect low-calorie mocktail for a festive night out or a mindful moment after a long day of hosting or holiday chaos. THC beverages are for adults 21+ and should be enjoyed responsibly — start low, sip slow, and savor the experience. 4. Protect Your Sleep Like It’s a Holiday Miracle Sleep is a pillar of a nutritious life for very good reason. Sleep is when your body restores and repairs. There will likely be some later nights out during the holidays but on those nights at home you’ll want to focus hard on your sleep hygiene. Aim to keep a semi-consistent bedtime, limit alcohol (it disrupts REM sleep), and swap your scrolling habit for something that helps your nervous system downshift such as reading or journaling. A great swap for the glass of wine while wrapping gifts is Tattersall Functional Beverages Unwind—all the zen, minus all sleep disruptions. Also, you may want to consider a sleep supporting supplement such as magnesium glycinate. 5. Choose Rituals Over Routines One of the reasons holidays feel magical as kids is because kids love rituals and traditions. As adults, we often lose that sense of intentional pause and fun. Try bringing it back in a healthy form: light candles with dinner each night, end the night with a cozy tea, or light a fire and make your holiday gift lists as a family. Small moments of mindfulness go a long way toward lowering stress. 6. Stay Connected — But Set Boundaries Connection lowers stress hormones like cortisol and boosts oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone. But don’t confuse connection with overcommitment. Choose quality time with the people who fill your cup and give yourself permission to say no when you need to protect your energy. 7. Unwind with Intention Managing stress isn’t always about doing less during the holidays, it’s about doing what actually makes you feel good. Whether that’s a long walk, a good book, or a Tattersall Functional Beverage Unwind mocktail by the fire, make space for those moments that help you exhale. Because that’s where the real holiday magic happens, when you’re calm enough to feel it. This holiday season, skip the pressure to make it “perfect.” Instead, make it peaceful. Balance your blood sugar, protect your sleep, move your body, and find little ways to unwind that feel good — body and soul. You can go to Tattersall Functional Beverage and use the code KERI15 for a special offer. This offer is valid now through December 31, 2025. It can be used on all products except the $10 “Just Try It” box and cannot be combined with other promo codes or discounts.

How to Eat Healthy at a Holiday Meal

So you wanna learn how to eat healthy so you don’t have to unbutton your pants at the table this year. I get it. It’s almost become an accepted way of life that a huge holiday meal equals planning to stuff yourself, then actually stuffing yourself, then beating yourself up for stuffing yourself. What if this year could be different? What if this year you planned on enjoying your favorite holiday foods, actually enjoyed the holiday foods in an empowered manner, and then congratulated yourself for enjoying the holiday foods and ending the day feeling great about yourself? Guess what? It’s not as hard as you think. Learning how to eat healthy is a skill that takes practice, but you have to decide to do the work. And what better time than now? I want you to enjoy the holidays this year, and ring in the new year in your same pant size. How great will it be to not vow to lose 10 pounds this year come January, because you never gained them?! There are 5 rules to holiday eating that I always share with my clients, and I’m sharing them with you today. How to Eat Healthy at a Holiday Meal 1. Be a Wo/Man with a Plan. Before you embark on your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah adventures, take a minute to decide what you are going to eat, indulge in, or taste. If you take a few moments before you begin to really think and plan, you will set yourself up to be successful. Sometimes a little planning is all you need to get you through the day enjoying your meal and feeling good too! 2. Take Control with a little Portion Control. Remember to load up on the cleanest cooked vegetables available, salad, and turkey breast, ham, or whatever lean protein is served. Limit the sides and desserts. Choose 2 tablespoons of 2 decadent sides to indulge in and keep the rest of your plate green and lean! Of course, you should enjoy your meal, but get the leftovers out of the house and definitely do not take a doggie bag home. Removing tempting indulgences will help you get back to your Nutritious Life as soon as the holiday is over. RELATED: The Best Portion Control Hack to Avoid Overeating 3. Drink Up, Up, Up! Unwanted calories from beverages can undermine your work. Have a full glass of water or seltzer (with lemon) before the meal and match each glass of wine with a glass of water. Avoid the eggnog and fancy coffee drinks—those calories take the worst revenge and can plump you up in no time. End your meal with an herbal tea instead. 4. Choose the Most Nutrient Dense Foods. Roasted chestnuts, a tablespoon of cranberries, roasted root vegetables, turkey breast, and a spoonful of winter squash are loaded with nutrition! Make sure you are getting these powerhouses in, in place of the stuffing, mashed potatoes and corn bread, which may be less healthful. Making these nutritious choices on the holiday will have you feeling proud and inspired to make better choices the day after and beyond. RELATED: The Power of a Healthy Breakfast: Setting You Up for a Healthier Day 5. Get Up and Go. Do the best you can to move during the day! If it’s snowing outside, build an enormous snowman or have a super competitive snowball fight. If the weather is nice outdoors, rally the family for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood or a game of touch football. If you’re stuck inside, try a competitive karaoke session with mandatory dance moves or teach your family their first yoga sequence. If all else fails, just offer to chase around after the little ones, since they never can sit still. Their very tired parents will thank you. Remember: Listen to your body! Stop eating when you are slightly satisfied even if it seems to go against the spirit of “stuffing” on Thanksgiving or Ho-Ho-Ho-ing on Christmas. ENJOY your holiday. It is one meal that should be cherished and celebrated. Keep your Nutritious Life in the forefront of your mind and know we’re cheering on your holiday efforts! You’ve got this! (Image: Shutterstock)

The Healthy Holiday Bar Cart of Your Dreams

You’ve got to be prepared to make a festive, low-sugar cocktail, okay?

4 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain Starting with Halloween

We all look forward to the holidays. They’re an excuse to celebrate and break from the norm. While all this celebrating is great and fun and joyful, it can also be hard to superimpose the pleasures of the season onto your clean living efforts, and, for so many, this often means trying to avoid holiday weight gain. Truth be told, your body would probably forgive you if you overdid it on the chocolate for a few days around Halloween, as long as you went right back to your healthy diet afterward. The trouble is that Thanksgiving has to get tucked into November, and then, of course, Christmas and Hanukkah take over December, and then New Year’s somehow slides right into Valentine’s Day to end the season. Do the math: a few days of overindulging at each holiday and we’re talking at least 15 days of celebrating that lands on your love handles, and your body can’t just shake the weight gain off so easily. Eeeek.  So how are you gonna handle this? Before you can plan to conquer the holidays without weight gain, identify who you are around the holidays. Are you the girl who has an easy time eating well during the meal, but can’t help but go crazy when the desserts come out? Are you the guy who starves himself all day so you can have everything when dinner rolls around? Are you the kid you were 30 years ago who has a personalized quart of eggnog in the fridge? If you can figure out where it is most difficult for you to eat well, you can make a plan to be successful. Follow that plan, and not only do you get the reward of not gaining weight, but you get an amazing sense of accomplishment and control that you can feel great about while still thoroughly enjoying the holidays. Top 4 Tips to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain 1. Have a partner Tell someone who you know has your back, that you’re working on your weight, and what you plan to do to get through a tough holiday meal. “I’m going to keep a glass of water in my hand and not eat anything fried.” Say your version of that to your friend, and you’re more likely to do it. 2. Don’t deprive yourself Not eating all day so you can eat more later, or skipping your favorite apple pie altogether, will lead to feelings of deprivation. That sounds pretty awful and can trigger you to overdo it later. Before your event or meal, fill up on fiber-rich vegetables and a little healthy fat or protein. Think healthy foods like crudites and hummus, a salad with a couple spoonfuls of avocado, or a cup of veggie chili. You’ll eat less when you get to the main event, have more time to socialize, and have the amazing ability to slow down and savor your slice of pie. 3. To booze or not to booze Make sure you’re well-hydrated with good old-fashioned water and you are not thirsty when you hit the party. Delaying the alcohol and deciding to drink less will help you make better food decisions, save you some empty calories, and keep you from feeling so lousy that you don’t make it to the gym in the morning. Booze can also interrupt your shut-eye and you need those zzzz’s to keep your immune system strong and defend yourself against fatigue-related eating. You’ll be more apt to grab a healthy breakfast the next morning rather than a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. 4. Out of sight, out of your mouth When you are at a party, position yourself as far away from the food as possible. If you’re next to the cheese tray, you’re more likely to eat some than if it was across the room. If you have leftovers from your dinner party, buy to-go containers and send Uncle Joe’s famous stuffing home with the friend who complimented it. This will ensure you don’t make it a midnight snack. Savor the celebratory moment then look forward to eating your special holiday meal again next year (not a few hours later)! There you go. Put this plan in place in your Nutritious Life. You can even arm yourself with a little mantra to keep your plan in the front of your brain from Halloween until Valentine’s Day, so it helps you get through smoothly. Affirmations like, “I am looking forward to my pie tomorrow,” or “Green means go,” (meaning eat the green beans, peppers, and cucumber slices) will keep you focused and positive. Here’s to a happy healthy, weight-stable YOU this holiday season. Give Yourself the Gift of Wellness There’s nothing more empowering than fully understanding how food affects your health and well-being. That’s why we created our Emotional Eating and Brain Food courses, which dive deep into how to live your best nutritious life while looking and feeling amazing.  If you want to take things even further and make your passion for wellness your job or side hustle, join our Become a Nutrition Coach community and be a change-maker for people all over the world. However you choose to join us, you’ll be surrounded by the support and encouragement you need to create healthy habits that can change your life. Give yourself the gift of wellness—we can’t wait to welcome you into the tribe.

Happy Mother’s Day … the Nutritious Life Way

At Nutritious Life, we love moms. Our moms, your moms, all moms. Why? Because we know that moms work so very hard at taking care of everyone and everything. Moms raise kids and juggle demanding careers while making sure their homes and families are clean and fed and schooled (and so much more!). That’s a heavy load—mentally, physically and spiritually (yes, being a mom is a mind-body-spirit, all-encompassing role, but you don’t need us to tell you that!) That’s why this Mother’s Day, the staff of Nutritious Life salutes all moms and the incredible work you (and we) are doing. Here’s a few ways our team is celebrating Mother’s Day this year … the Nutritious Life way. Sharing the Simple Joys … in Nature and Together (Image: Shutterstock) I’ll be one happy mama on Mother’s Day because both of my kids will be home. (My son will be back from his first year away at college.) That’s a nice little gift in and of itself, but on top of that … What I’d like to do on Mother’s Day is pretty simple. I have said at least a million times that my absolute favorite thing in the world is being active outdoors with my kids. It could be hiking, biking, paddle boarding, anything. … This year, I’m hoping for a gorgeous spring day, a delicious breakfast with multiple cups of coffee and a very long walk on the beach with the whole family (and no complaining about how long it is!) That’s it. Pretty simple. Oh, and if gifts are involved, I wouldn’t turn away an LED face mask. 😉 – Keri Glassman, founder and CEO of Nutritious Life and The Nutritious Life Studio Cooking is Love In my family, cooking is our shared love language. As the youngest in the family, Mother’s Day is usually my time to take the reins and make a spread worthy of the two best moms I know: My Ima and my sister. The past two years in quarantine kicked off a tradition where I cook up a themed brunch: the Quarantine Cafe was my first idea, and Mama Mia (my Italian pizza concept) took place last year. This year, I’ll be enlisting the help of my 5-year-old nephew to make all of our mom’s favorites: Shakshuka, homemade pita bread and Israeli salads. After brunch at home, we’ll do a family walk around the neighborhood before we dig into our next yearly tradition: Nancy Meyers movies with a seasonal cocktail and homemade popcorn. – Ellie Erlich, the Nutritious Life Studio Community Manager No Brunch, Please! I can’t tell you what I will be doing on Mother’s Day, but I can tell you what I won’t be doing: Brunch. I know I’m probably alone here, but there is seriously nothing worse than brunch, a Mother’s Day ritual that I put the kibosh on years ago when I joined the Mom Club. I realize an entire brunch culture has just canceled me, but I hope they just see it as more bottomless mimosas for them, so score! Brunch for me is a day where you dress up in something that isn’t comfy, take photos where only 50% of the people are actually happy (because nobody under the age of 10 actually wants to brunch either), and then you eat this long, drawn-out meal and don’t feel awesome afterwards. This assures a mimosa/carb coma by 2 p.m. and spending the rest of the day in a bloated fog. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m totally on board with a Friday night fog that came from an extra glass (or three!) of champs, but not on a Sunday afternoon. It’s such a waste of an amazing opportunity to feel great. A bike ride, a beach day, a round of golf, a walk with a friend, a BBQ with neighbors, a book on the porch, or a fave Netflix binge with your person. To me, the perfect Mother’s Day starts with my kiddos doing something thoughtful for me and includes an afternoon toast with my girlfriends, who are also in the Mom Club and by default, my village. The day ends with some time with me and my very special husband who made me a mom. – Karen Rogers, VP of Marketing Operations for Nutritious Life and Empowered Education Modeling Adventure and Self-Care For Our Kids Matters (Image: Shutterstock) I’d love to gift myself an in-person yoga practice on Mother’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with at-home daily practice. In fact, I love it! It’s a perfect way to make a date with myself (Wink**). On the other hand, trying something out of my comfort zone has been calling me. A hot yoga class, maybe? Or possibly a Bikram yoga sesh. I might even try something totally different, like skateboarding or surf skating! This is on my 2022 adventure list and might be the best way to treat myself for Mother’s Day. Seeing myself grow and evolve as a person helps me become a better mom to my beautiful girls. I want them to see me taking care of myself. I want to fill my cup and let my kids watch and learn this from me as they grow. I want to try new things so they won’t be afraid to step out of the “mother role” (in case they want to become moms in the future. Yes, they have the freedom to choose!) and nurture themselves with the things that spark joy and make them feel alive. Not that motherhood doesn’t do that – as being a mom is all that and more. But motherhood is also a reminder to care for oneself and to lead by example because the love cultivated within yourself will shine through your children and significant others … guaranteed. – Marhielle Alfonso Galang, marketing admin for Nutritious Life and the Nutritious Life Studio Honoring Moms We’ve Loved and Lost This Mother’s Day, I’m practicing self-care in honor of the moms I’ve loved and

5 Tips For a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving With Family This Year

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? (Cue the Andy Williams song). Yet, for many, this busy time of year brings more stress than joy. Along with those bundles of gifts wrapped in sparkly bows, the holidays can be a big bundle of messy and complicated family dynamics, extra busy schedules and added expenses. That stress can really derail our best-laid health goals—especially when faced with seemingly endless cookies, charcuterie boards, and decadent desserts that are inevitably part of Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. While these are all really valid reasons to stress out, there are also powerful and helpful tools that can help you to minimize stress and avoid eating all the things, so you can genuinely enjoy time spent with family and friends this season. Whether you have multiple Thanksgivings and Friendsgivings (an actual word since 2020, according to Merriam-Webster!) to attend, and whatever your holiday stress triggers may be, we’re sharing some essential tips to help you navigate your way to a more harmonious, relaxed and mindful Turkey Day this year. 1. Breathe … It’s Just One Day (Out of 365) As the holiday approaches, don’t forget that Thanksgiving is just one day out of the entire year. This is important to remember not only when it comes to the food choices you make throughout the day, but also with any conversations happening at the dinner table. If you’ve been creating healthy habits, one day of what we like to call “conscious indulgences” won’t change that. So consider loosening the reins a bit and know that your healthy lifestyle will be waiting for you tomorrow. Oh, and indulging a bit on the holidays is actually a part of a healthy lifestyle. Also, those relatives who insist on trotting out their politics or sharing their pandemic prophecies over turkey won’t be at your dinner table tomorrow, either. (Whew!) That being said, if you’re so inclined to stay the course, go into the day prepared. Dinner conversation takes a stressful turn? It’s OK to excuse yourself and head outside for some fresh air. Maybe offer to take the dog for a walk. If you’re a guest this year, bring healthy, veggie-dense sides (like these) and reach for those instead. Also, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in between those Thanksgiving tipples you’re sure to imbibe. (You’ll thank us for this the next day.) And if you’re hosting, try preparing healthy twists on classic dishes–your house, your rules, right? The point is to have a plan but also give yourself grace if it doesn’t go perfectly. 2. Shift Your Mindset We don’t recommend heading into the day planning to restrict your calorie intake, because that doesn’t typically end well for anyone. Restricting yourself from eating things is negative energy, and why should we focus energy on pushing ourselves to not do things? Focus on the positive instead. If your goal right now is to eat more nutritionally dense foods, think about it in terms of abundance and all that you can eat—like those delicious, nutritious sides you brought to Aunt Mary’s house! Also, some foods can be bad for you, but eating them doesn’t make you a bad person. What’s most important is to eat from a place of empowerment. The healthiest diet is an approach to eating that fuels your mind and body, and fits into your lifestyle. It’s all about the mindset behind the actual eating of the desert. 3. Practice Self Care Before the chaos of the day sets in, be sure to carve out some time for yourself (what we at Nutritious Life call “nurturing yourself,” one of our eight pillars) in the morning. Go for a jog, meditate, or practice some yoga in your living room to get the day off to a positive start. And whatever you do, don’t skip breakfast on Thanksgiving morning! Eating breakfast will help balance your blood sugar levels, and help keep you from overeating throughout the rest of the day. And remember to savor the delicious food that’s been prepared for you, enjoying every bite. Throughout the day, take mindful breaks if needed; step outside, sit in your car, or even hide in the bathroom for a couple of minutes. If necessary, say you need to make a phone call or respond to an email and excuse yourself for as long as you need to regroup. Give dinner time to digest, and end the day with a walk outside—with or without family members. This is a great way to get in a little movement and also decompress and shake off some of the anxious, built up energy from the day. Do whatever you need to do to protect your mental health—and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. 4. Cultivate Gratitude One of the best ways to ensure a smooth Thanksgiving is to remember what this day is really about—spending time with family and friends, and being grateful for all that we have. The events of 2020 left many of us separated from our family and friends during the holidays, so if you’re able to gather with loved ones this year, remember to embrace their company and all of the awkward, tense, stressful (and, of course, joyous!) moments that come with it. As parents and grandparents get older, we may find ourselves longing for the times we were able to get together with the entire family, even if everything wasn’t perfect. If you don’t have a gratitude practice yet, consider starting one now so it will be in full force by Thanksgiving. Here’s a simple one to get you started: Every night, an hour before bed, write down three things you’re grateful for that happened that day. This will train your brain to look for good things throughout the day and has been proven to strengthen the immune system, improve sleep patterns, feelings of optimism, and the ability to experience more joy. By Thanksgiving, you’ll notice the ease

Small, But Mighty Stocking Stuffer Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Nutritious Life is making your holiday shopping effortless this year. We have handpicked (and tested so you can shop stress free) the healthiest, most practical, and inspiring items for every area of your life.  We have something for everyone on your list. We’ll help you (and your loved ones) get better sleep, relax, cook up healthy and delicious meals, sparkle with self-care, move more, and simply be more joyful!  Small, but mighty…these healthy stocking stuffers will bring your loved ones calm, great skin, safety, and most of all smiles. Gosili Silicone Travel Mug Sustainable coffee drinking! A chic, reusable cup that will encourage your loved one to ditch the paper cups. They are durable and meant to last a lifetime…which is kind of the point!  Gosili travel mug, $15   Pretty Connected Mask Chain Sarah Jessica Parker won’t leave home without it. You’ve seen it worn on Emily in Paris, and all of your favorite influencers can’t stop talking about it. We’re talking about the Pretty Connected mask chain. It’s the ultimate accessory for 2020. Everyone will love to receive a little sparkle and shine to go with their masks. They can wear it as a necklace, bracelet, mask chain, and more! Committed to giving back, Pretty Connected is donating 10% of all sales to No Kid Hungry and The Armenia Fund. Pretty Connected x Sequin Good Vibes Mask and Chain set (with four different charm options). Prices range from $58-$78.   Terra & Co Charcoal Toothpaste Set We’ve definitely jumped on board the charcoal toothpaste train. Terra & Co is a clean and sustainable oral care brand with a new holiday set which is a great stocking stuffer. We love the eco-friendly option for a bright smile, plus the company’s mission is to support women in business.  Terra & Co Organic & Eco Oral Care Bundle, $30 Sour Lemon Beverage Company Apple Cider Vinegar When you think of apple cider vinegar, you may turn your nose up. It does have a bit of a shocking taste. The taste fairies at Sour Lemon Beverage Company have a fix. Their apple cider vinegar based concentrate has all the health benefits and actually tastes good.  Their variety pack is great for your health conscious friends. Try the Pink Lemonade and Limeade first (so good!).  Sour Lemon variety pack, $28 LANO 101 Ointment Bauble Fun fact: One of LANO’s 101 ointment is sold every minute, globally. It’s the perfect, must-have item to add to your holiday shopping list.  This balm has 101 uses like soothing dry cuticles, cracked heels, and dry nasal passages, keeps eyebrows in place, soothes windburn, cold-chapped cheeks, dry brittle nails, paper cuts, insect bites, a supercharging moisturizer, and more. LANO 1010 Ointment Bauble, $17,  Venus ET Fleur Ornaments These ornaments are the perfect stocking stuffer for your loved ones. Available in two options, a Votive Candle (Rose Blanche or Nue Tuberose scents) or the celeb favorite, Le Mini Round Rose (all colors available)—your tree will smell (and look) amazing. Venus ET Fleur ornament, from $45 – $59 Home-Grown Cactus & Succulent Kit Give a little something fun to do on a wintery day. They can cultivate their own little garden inside with this succulent kit. It comes with everything—seeds,  planters, and it is really easy to do (no stressful, complicated directions!).   Cactus Garden Kit, $35 Sustainable Cutlery Set NAMAR is a sustainable, reusable cutlery set made to help us get one step closer to minimizing the spread of germs and reducing waste to preserve our planet. Made out of 100% wheat straw, you can toss this set into your bag, and use it whenever you are in need. Plus, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Save the Earth Foundation NAMAR Cutlery Set (in 4 colors), $12 Touchland Power Mist Touchland Power Mist‘s pulverizer spray system ensures that the fast-evaporating sanitizer formula is evenly distributed across your hands to kill 99.99% of harmful, illness causing germs, while the naturally hydrating ingredients keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long–with absolutely no stickiness! Create your own bundles this holiday by selecting the scents you, your family, and friends will enjoy in sets of 3, 5, 8 or 20! The more you add, the more you save! (Starting at $12 each on Touchland.com) Bullstrap 1st Impression Candle Does someone on your list have a new home? This candle is perfect in name. Bullstrap’s 1st Impression Candle smells amazing (amber and teakwood). It isn’t overpowering, and really warms a room. The candles are made with 100% soy wax + zero harmful fragrances. Bullstrap 1st Impression Candle, $24.95 Berlin Skin Black Spruce Body Oil A unisex body oil that smells just like Christmas is a luxury great for any stocking. Use this organic, plant-based hydrating oil right after showering or shaving. 4 to 5 drops goes a long way—and it’s really lightweight. A pro tip: Before applying, try inhaling the scent from the cup of your hands for extra soothing and relaxing aromatherapeutic benefits. Bonus: If you have brittle, damaged hair, try applying a tiny amount to the ends of your damp hair. Berlin Skin Black Spruce Body Oil, $72 Gindo’s Hot Sauce For your spicy friend, hot sauce is a perfect gift. Gindo’s is a husband and wife team who set out to make a “spice of life” (cute!). They wanted to inspire creativity in the kitchen, and that sounds great to us! Try their Honey Habanero or get the Ghost of Christmas Trio for a sampling of all. Gindo’s Ghost of Christmas Hot Sauce Box, $40 FreeBand Sanitizer Wristband This is the ultimate stocking stuffer for all your loved ones. Are you always hunting down your mini bottle of sanitizer in your purse or scouring the store for a wipe or bottle when shopping? This genius invention allows you to wear yoru sanitizer as a bracelet! Easily refillable with your choice of sanitizer, and comes in a variety of colors—and for kids too! Freeband, $20 (photo credit: Shutterstock and

Your Perfect (Healthier!) Thanksgiving Menu

Is there really any debate? Thanksgiving is hands down the most delicious holiday.  The turkey, the stuffing, the pie…oh my! Our mouths begin to water days in advance as we count the hours until we sit down with loved ones and indulge in all the nostalgic foods.   We want to help you have the most wonderful holiday by taking some of the stress off of the cooking. Below are some of our favorite recipes, with a healthy twist. Try one or make them all—we promise whoever is around the table this year will be asking for seconds.  Appetizers Sweet Potato Rounds With Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts The Roasted Root really nails all the flavors here. Sweet potato, herbed ricotta, walnuts, cranberries, and honey–this recipe screams fall. Yum! Butternut Squash Broccoli Rabe Soup People often fill up on appetizers before the meal even begins. Instead of dozens of canapes and giant cheese plates, why not serve a delicious soup? We love this creamy fall classic with added nutrients and flavor. The Main Event Thanksgiving Turkey The perfect beginner’s recipe for serving a turkey that’s juicy, delicious, and covered in flavorful herbs. Sides Vegan Whipped Coconut Sweet Potatoes Our friend Catherine from @Weelicious knows her way around the kitchen. Which is why we aren’t surprised that this version of sweet potatoes is simply delish! It’s made with coconut milk and dried coconut sprinkled on top—as she puts it, “a light dusting of snow.” Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Simple, satisfying and really quick to whip up. No one will miss the green bean casserole with this on the table. Wild Rice & Bulgur Stuffing You’re probably right: no one in your family knows what bulgur is. But that won’t matter at the holiday table. Once they taste this hearty, flavorful stuffing made with the nutritious ancient grain, they’ll be too busy happily chewing to care. Stuffed Butternut Squash This Butternut Squash recipe will look like it’s part of the holiday table decor. It’s stuffed with tempeh, rice, pomegranate and just a hint of maple syrup.  It’s so good, even the meat lovers will go back for seconds. Dijon Cauliflower Mash Ok, so we’re not saying to forgo the beloved mashed potatoes. But…if you’re looking for a delicious, lighter alternative, THIS is the way to go. Gravy A Lighter Gravy We all love our turkey smothered with gravy, but it’s not always the most nutritious. Here’s a great tasting, healthier recipe. Dessert Cocoa Banana Ice Cream Turkeys The kiddos will love this adorable treat. Homemade banana ice cream is super easy to make and the kids won’t even know they’re eating fruit.  Pumpkin Pie Parfait With Coconut Whipped Cream Want an easy no-bake option? You got it. Individual pumpkin pie parfaits are all flavor without the crust!   Poached Pears The cinnamon-vanilla flavor makes these poached pears a great option for the holiday season. It’s also nice to find a dessert you can make in a slow cooker, since you don’t have to watch it as closely as something you’re baking. You just leave it for hours, come back, and it’s ready to go. (Images: Shutterstock)

Exercise Gratitude (for a Good Cause!) With Us This December

Use the hashtag #ExercisingGratitude2017 to spread holiday cheer. Find out more, here.

The Best Healthy Gifts to Give this Year

Shouldn’t every gift you give help your loved ones live their most Nutritious Lives? We think so! That’s why our official 2016 Nutritious Life Gift Guide is filled with unique, healthy gifts for everyone on your list. Help your foodie sister-in-law stock her kitchen with tools for eating well in 2017 (organic artisan spices?), for example, or your fitness-obsessed BFF recover faster (the best foam roller!). Here are the healthy gifts everyone will be excited to unwrap—whether they’re already committed to a wellness-focused lifestyle or you’re giving them a friendly holiday nudge in the right direction. Healthy Gifts: Eat Empowered The Well Necessities Subscription, $40–50 A seasonal delivery of functional foods and lifestyle essentials that protect and promote your health, curated by dietitian Lisa Hayim, MS, RD, a graduate of The Nutrition School. (You can gift one delivery or set someone up for the whole year.) Organic Artisan Baking Spices in Magnetic Jars, $140 Art Basel meets Food Network: These good-for-you spices look like a piece of art and are super functional at the same time, since they stick right onto the fridge for easy access. Brass Spoon Rest, $32–110 The home cook and hostess will love this chic piece for resting spoons while whipping up a feast or putting them out for serving at a dinner party. Life’s Abundance Plant Protein Chocolate Powder, $55 Something for a smoothie-lover’s stocking? This plant-based protein powder is made with the highest quality, clean ingredients (I should know—I helped formulate it!). The Hemsley + Hemsley Spiralizer, $17 For the pasta lover who’s trying every strategy to cut back on carbs, this veggie noodle tool—made by cool food bloggers Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley will transform meal time. Healthy Gifts: Drink Up S’well Water Bottle, $25–45 S’well’s bottles keep water cold for 24 hours and, in cool patterns like Dark Forest, are super chic. They come in multiple sizes (the small nine-ounce is great for kids to throw in their backpacks), and gifting one also means giving back, since the company helps provide clean drinking water to kids around the world. House of Matcha Gift Set, $89 Matcha’s position as the trendiest tea isn’t budging in 2017, and that makes us happy, given its health benefits and taste. This gorgeous gift set comes with the highest quality matcha. Healthy Gifts: Sleep Deep Thrive Pillow, $88 A fun, cheeky reminder for the most overworked in your life that getting enough sleep is essential when it comes to getting ahead. Healthy Gifts: Sweat Often Withings Activite Steel, $150 Finally, a smartwatch the stylish dude in your life will actually wear, with a sleek design and effective fitness tracking. Monrow Oversized Camo Basic Legging, $135 A fun print on a blend of cotton/spandex fabric makes these the perfect option for the woman who likes to wear her leggings from barre class to brunch. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33 Shield, $125 A great pair of sneakers is really all anyone needs to get in a workout wherever they are, and this sleek new design from Nike comes with a bonus: a weather-protective coating that will keep the runner on your gift list comfortable (AKA dry feet) on slushy, winter runs. Sweaty Betty Escape Sweater, $160 The perfect cute-and-cozy piece to layer over leggings on the way to yoga or on a long, cold-weather run. Healthy Gifts: Nurture Yourself Lauren Roxburgh Aligned Life Foam Roller, $15–45 A good foam roller can literally change an active person’s life. I use mine daily, and my kids love it, too—so you can consider it a family gift, really. Jiva Apoha Personalized Body Oil, $200 For the person in your life who needs a little pampering: order this for a friend and Jiva Apoha will have them answer questions before creating their perfect treatment oil with ultra-pure, high quality essential oils chosen to facilitate healing and promote well-being. Healthy Gifts: Love More Buddha Charm Disc, $210–990 Engraved with a Buddha motif symbolizing “Enlightenment,” this handmade charm acts as an all-day, close-to-the-heart reminder to focus on and project love and kindness. Healthy Gifts: Live Consciously Awair Air Quality Monitor, $200 This smart device tracks toxins and chemicals in the air and gives personalized recommendations for your giftee to create a healthier space at home. Glass Straws, $32-38 For the family member who’s constantly sipping smoothies or has kids that love to use straws, these reduce the use of plastic and minimize waste—and they look pretty, too. Univers Series Office Set, $760 OTHR’s high-design products are 3D-printed to order, eliminating all production waste. And this desk organizer will add a little Zen to any workspace to promote focus. Healthy Gifts: Stress Less Meditation Mala Necklace, $240 Handmade in London using natural, recycled materials, this spiritual jewelry pick is made with one-of-a-kind gemstones that are said to still the mind and promote peace and tranquility.