The holiday season is upon us, and I can feel the tension in the air. People are rushing to the nearby malls with an endless list of items to purchase. Everyone is searching for “the perfect gift.”
So many times, we get caught up in the holiday frenzy, and we forget the real meaning, what really matters. It’s so easy to get, “pulled in.” Colorful flyers with “greatest deals of the season,” exciting commercials have one purpose, to sell. Excessive shopping can be extra stress not only on our health but on our budget as well.
What if instead of a frantic search for the best gift, we shift our focus this holiday season. Let’s focus on creating meaningful experiences. Things come and go, but experiences last for a lifetime. It’s much healthier and less stressful. You know stress will cause premature aging. It will increase inflammation in your body.
So, creating experiences will make you feel good, reduces the stress level on your body and valet.
Let me share a brief story.
During the civil war in my country of origin to keep my sanity (it was very scary listening to aircrafts above my head while the house was shaking because of the detonations), I would recall my trips. I used to travel a lot before the war. Every night I would recall a trip with all the memories. Looking at the pictures I was taken, reading the books I bought, remembering friends I met, etc. It was so great to escape the painful reality of the civil war.
What kind of experiences can you create this holiday season? Going out to hike with your spouse or grandkids? Maybe a fun day at the Zoo? Or organize a super fun cookie baking activity?
Let’s make this holiday season a little bit different.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!
RECIPE
GINGERBREAD COOKIES
Ingredients 
6 cups flour (I use 5 ½ cup almond flour + ½ cup coconut flour) In case of nut allergies use brown rice flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup butter (2 sticks) grass-fed, organic
1 cup monk fruit
1 cup coconut palm sugar
4 tsp ginger (powder)
4 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp black pepper
1 ½ tsp salt
2 large eggs (substitute with chia gel if egg-free)
1 cup molasses
Directions
Cream butter, sugar, add eggs and rest of the ingredients. Wrap in a plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Cut gingerbread men and refrigerate again for 15 min. Bake at 350ºF for 15 min.
Notes
Chia gel…to substitute one egg use 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let sit for at least an hour; best overnight.
To your radiant health, with love
Dr. Ilona
