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      in health and weelbeing

      How 8 Nutritionists Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

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      Starting with Halloween candy and ending with over-indulging in champagne on New Year’s Eve, the holiday season is loaded with temptations and traditions that promise to wreck health goals. November and December are full of sugary hot cocoa, over-stuffed turkeys, unhealthy appetizers, Christmas cookies, and lots (and lots) of booze. Many women have food-related stress heading into the holidays, while others give up on healthy eating entirely until January 1. But reality check, ladies: you can still indulge in your favorite foods without giving up your health goals, and you should be able to enjoy the holidays (totally guilt-free). For some expert advice heading into the most decadent meals of the year, I polled eight nutritionists on how they stay healthy while still enjoying the season. 
      1. McKel Kooienga, MS, RD, LDN, Author and Founder of Nutrition Stripped

      Source: @nutritionstripped

      “Food provides our bodies with the physical nourishment it needs to feel and function its best. But it also is culture, tradition, a way to connect with others, enjoyment, and so much more. It’s so important to honor that, especially during the holidays when food is such a beautiful and important aspect of the celebration. But there needs to be a balance. Many people can fall into the pattern of eating mindlessly throughout the holiday season and not paying attention to their nutritional needs with the intention of “restarting” or dieting in January.
      The way I practice finding the right balance between food for nourishment and food for pleasure is pausing before eating and checking in with myself so I can make an intentional choice. I may say to myself, ‘I’m not hungry, but I would enjoy that dessert right now because it’s my favorite holiday dessert.’ On the other hand, I may say, ‘I’ve enjoyed a lot of my favorite holiday foods today, but I realize I haven’t eaten many vegetables and my digestion feels a little off. I’m gong to choose to fill my plate with more nourishing foods now.’ The purpose isn’t to eat perfect, but rather to slow down, bring awareness to what you want and need, and make an intentional choice.”

      2. Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN, Founder of The Nutrition Tea

      Source: @thenutritiontea

      “I think it’s really important to try to keep your mental health in check and a priority as much as possible. Especially with what’s going on in the world now. I personally like to go for walks and get as much fresh air as possible. Not just for exercise, but moving my body particularly outside really helps destress my day and brings me clarity. I think that it’s so important to find some form of exercise that you enjoy. It’s a great mood booster and increases the serotonin and endorphins (feel good hormones). But this only works if it is exercise that you enjoy.”

      3. Elizabeth Yontz Moye, RD, Founder of Hello Spoonful

      Source: Elizabeth Yontz Moye

      “Fill up your plate with as much fiber as possible! Fiber helps with blood sugar control, appetite control, and stable energy levels. The more fiber you have with your meals (specifically carb-heavy meals) the less of a blood sugar spike you’ll have. The less of a blood sugar spike you have, the less insulin (your fat-storing hormone) you’ll release. When you experience these rapid spikes and falls, the more hungry you become shortly after eating so be sure to fill up on fiber during the holidays to say fuller, longer!”
       
      4. Valerie Agyeman, RD, Founder of Flourish Heights

      Source: Valerie Agyeman

      “As I fill my body with the right quantity and quality of food it needs, I also remember that food is for enjoyment and connection. The holidays are a time for me to connect with my family traditions, culture, and loved ones. My experience of taste, aroma, the love and intention put into the meal, surrounding myself with family and the joy of eating, all add to my experience of nourishment. It influences my mood, emotions, behavior and food choices too. While it’s been a roller coaster kind of year, remember that food is a comfort. Food is a way to feel connected. It is to be enjoyed too. And that’s OK. That’s a good thing.”

      Source: @nutritionhappens

      “Between the holiday drinks, food, and even the change in air temperature during this time of the year (colder temperatures can contribute to more water loss in the body), hydration can take a hit. Grab an extra cup of water or two between meals to replenish those fluids. For optimal hydration, we need a balance of electrolytes, which are minerals that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. The three big electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and they’re found in natural fruits and vegetables. Try adding a few slices of cucumbers or lemons / limes in a glass of water with a pinch of salt. Not only does this help provide those extra electrolytes for hydration, but it also makes it more interesting to drink throughout the day.
      Also, make at least one meal a day as nutrient-dense as possible. The holidays can bring a lot of changes during mealtimes, like eating different foods or changing our eating routines. A nutrient-dense meal in between holiday meals (think: smoothie packed with leafy greens, a roasted vegetable salad, an omelette packed with spinach) can help you meet those vitamin and mineral goals throughout the week.”

      Source: @marisamoore

      “Instead of focusing on what not to eat, add more to the table. I volumize with veggies. I like to start with a seasonal salad, garlicky green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranates for a festive twist. Also, there are endless eating opportunities during the holidays, but staying active might help to keep stress at bay. Consider connecting with friends over an active meet up like going on a (masked) walk. Lastly, I use what’s in season. From pears to apples to grapes to Brussels sprouts and other greens, there are lots of options.”

      Source: @wellnessforthewin

      “Some things that I think are super important to prioritize all year, but especially around the holidays, are adequate sleep and hydration. I encourage everyone to start their day with a large glass of water before they reach for the coffee. This can help reach daily fluid needs and hopefully remind them to continue to drink water all day long! In addition, create a good routine around sleep. Go to bed and wake up around consistent times each day, and create an environment that supports good, quality sleep.
      Last but not least, plan ahead to reach your nutrition goals. Healthy eating requires a little more planning and intention, but when you think ahead, you are better able to incorporate nutrient-dense foods that support your health and immune system throughout the colder months. Remember that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing; you can truly enjoy all foods throughout the holiday season, without guilt or shame. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you and forming a healthy relationship with food.”

      8. Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, Leading Chef and Nutritionist

      Source: Serena Poon

      “Make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep. A lack of sleep amplifies emotions of tension, stress and anxiety, and weakens your immune system. Make a conscious effort to get at least 5-7 hours of sleep each night. Great sleep hygiene (going to bed at the same time, turning off devices an hour before bedtime, etc.) will help you stay on track through the holidays. Also, find a grounding practice. Meditating, breathing, or repeating a mantra/affirmation can do wonders for your health and mindset.”

      How are you planning on staying healthy through the holidays? More

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      in beauty and fashion

      The Kitchen Tool Instagram Can’t Stop Raving About Is On Sale This Weekend

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      Chances are, if you’ve scrolled Instagram within the last few months (have you done much else?), you’ve seen someone raving about a new chic pan that not only can do the job of a ton of the tools in a kitchen, but also looks beautiful enough to sit out on the stove all the time—ideal for small spaces. Our Place’s Always Pan steams, sautés, cooks grains, simmers soups and sauces, fries, and more, all on a non-stick surface that cleans easily. According to our director of brand partnerships who uses her Always Pan for just about everything, the non-stick surface is the real deal. Because it’s such an all-in-one powerhouse, it can replace your fry pan, saucier, skillet, saucepan, non-stick pan, and more. No more using three or four pans just to get dinner on the table—you can do just about everything in this one pan. 

      Say goodbye to those old, not-so-great pans you bought affordably for your first apartment. The pan even comes with a basket that serves as a colander and steamer and has a a notch on the handle that’s designed to hold your utensil, keeping your counter clean while cooking. The pan comes in six different colors, each more gorgeous than the last, and colors can sell out, so if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time.

      Though it’s too late to get the pan in time for Christmas morning (in most colors, at least), the Always Pan would make a truly great gift for anyone in your life who enjoys cooking or has to work with space or storage issues—or a treat for yourself. If you’re looking for more kitchen-related Black Friday deals, Our Place is also featuring its dinnerware collections in various sizes.
      A pretty pan that cuts the number of cookware you actually need down to a fraction of what you’d think it’d be? Sign us up. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      The Complete Gift Guide for Beauty Lovers

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      If your family knows you love beauty products, they’ve probably tried to gift it to you in the past. And while some end up being great (my aunt, God bless her soul, got me a giant set of Estee Lauder once, and while I used very little of the makeup, the skincare ended up being quite luxe and divine as a 20-year-old), they’re often rife with products we won’t use. Oh, she likes makeup? Buy her an eyeshadow palette—and make sure it’s all very light neutral browns she can wear to work, because she certainly doesn’t have five other palettes of neutral browns at home! Skincare lover? Fridge that won’t fit anywhere in her tiny apartment bathroom it is! And of course, they’re buying you yet another hair tool that will sit in the back of your drawer for eons. Don’t get me wrong, I stand by that any gift is a great gift, especially one as thoughtful as makeup or haircare for someone you know loves those things. But we’re in the business of giving the best gifts this year to show your friends and family a little extra love this holiday season, and I’ll be damned if I don’t show you just how many amazing beauty gifts exist out there. Just because your BFF, mom, brother, aunt, cousin-twice-removed, coworker, Secret Santa, or any other loved one loves beauty doesn’t mean they’re in for a lame gift. We found all the best gift sets, new items, unique products, and splurges they’ll be beyond excited to open and will actually use for years to come. And if you’re a beauty-lover, well then your wishlist just got a lot longer.

      Rae Wellness
      Hydration Drops

      A little extra hydration never hurt anyone, especially in the dead of winter. Instead of another cream or lotion, these actually improve your skin from the inside, making this a no-brainer gift for the skincare-loving people in your life.

      Baby Tress at Nordstrom
      3-in-1 Edge Styler™ Tool

      Not only is this three-in-one edge styler effective, but it’s a great addition to a bigger gift, a hair product, or a stocking stuffer. Available in six pretty colors, whoever you buy this for will love it.

      Joanna Vargas
      Glow From Within

      This book single-handedly got me to finally follow a skincare routine, but even as someone who knew a lot about beauty going in, I learned so much from Joanna’s expertise. She’s been a celebrity aesthetician for years and is known for treating the skin of some seriously A-List stars like Greta Gerwig, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, and more. Consider this a solid gift for the beauty amateurs and seasoned professionals alike.

      LaPierre Cosmetics
      Nail Lacquer

      We’ve done it: the perfect red nail polish for the season. You’ll never wonder which color to paint your nails again.

      Super Absorbent Hair Turban

      Gift extra healthy hair this season with this microfibre hair turban. Your hair is extra gentle when it’s wet, so it’s important to use a soft, microfibre to keep the moisture in rather than your typical bath towel. Plus, the microfibre pulls out the water faster, so your hair dries in a cinch.

      Alchemy Body Shop
      Halo Whipped Body Scrub

      This salt scrub is extra nourishing and moisturizing because it contains coconut oil and shea butter. Any beauty-lover knows the importance of sloughing off the dead skin, especially in the winter, and this scrub does that without drying your skin out.

      Rosen Skincare
      Tingling Mud Mask

      Skincare can be hard to gift (everyone’s skin is SO different), but you can almost never go wrong with some sort of mask. Everyone loves to lay on the couch sipping hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies with a face mask on; it’s simply bliss. This one from Rosen is perfect for those with acne-prone and oily skin; try this one if you’re loved one has dry skin.

      Ultra Soft Microfiber Hair Drying Scrunchies

      This immediately made its way to my personal wishlist. I love my hair turban so much, but sometimes, I just want something to put my hair up into a bun while it’s wet, and this sounds like the perfect solution to that problem. If you have long or thick to coily hair, this won’t dry your strands completely, but it’s a good addition to your stash. And for my fellow thin-to-medium hair types, frizz has met its match.

      Tower 28 Beauty
      ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly Gloss

      Since this released, I’ve seen it regarded as *the* best lip gloss on the market. Lip gloss has had its resurgence in 2020, with brands launching new iterations of our once least-favorite makeup product left and right. However, these are created without all the stuff we used to hate. They’re hydrating and comfortable with just enough stickiness to last for a long time on the lips. Plus, these shades are to die for—they’re the perfect milky neutrals for any skin tone.

      Royal Tonique – Jasmine Hydrating Mist

      A gorgeous skincare mist that will look as good on your vanity as it does on your skin is a no-brainer gift for moms and BFFs everywhere. This one from Indian skincare and beauty line, Ranavat, contains antioxidants to protect skin against environmental aggressors while hydrating and plumping the skin. Pair this with the T-Bar above, and you’ve got the ideal under-$50 Secret Santa gift.

      Weezie Towels
      Monogrammed Makeup Towel

      Kiss makeup wipes and removers goodbye, and say hello to these monogrammed makeup towels instead! Sick of ruining all of your hand towels washing off the day’s makeup, dirt, and oil from your face? These towels, in a genius dark color, are soft and plush on your face and hands. They’re the perfect gift for a makeup lover—show them how much you respect both their makeup skills and their crisp, white towels with these. They’re literally begging you to stain them!

      Red Lipstick Trio

      It’s red lipstick season, and what better way to celebrate than this trio specifically for medium-to-dark/deep skin tones? Not every red is created equal, but this trio varies in depth and undertone to help the recipient create their perfect look over and over again.

      Out of Trouble™ 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin

      This face mask is so good, it goes in and out of stock on Sephora constantly. This 10-minute mask is ideal for treating dull, stressed out skin, which everyone is bound to deal with every once in a while. Snag it while it’s available!

      Small Slipsilk™ Scrunchies

      These Slip scrunchies have made it on practically every beauty-lovers’ wishlist at one time or another because they’re a bit of a splurge but a total necessity once you try them. Snags, breakage, and kinks will be a thing of the past when you finally have these on your vanity. These are also available in a set of three for under $25, so they’re an easy add-on item to any gift. Pro tip: buy a pack and divide them up between various gifts!

      Charlotte Tilbury
      Mini Iconic Matte Revolution Lipstick Trio

      Charlotte Tilbury is a given in any beauty-lover’s collection, so if you’re really stuck on what to get someone, you cannot go wrong with this lipstick set, filled with three of Charlotte’s most iconic shades for under $30.

      Sunday Riley
      Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

      When this launched a few months ago, stores couldn’t keep it on the shelves—but the hype is so real. This essence balances, firms, and resurfaces the skin without drying your skin out, using peptides, chlorella, kelp, fermented honey, and EGCG, an antioxidant from green tea. It’s a spray essence as well, so it’s great for keeping in your makeup bag and misting whenever you feel blah. Our team loves Sunday Riley, and this launch is no exception.

      Pamper Variety Sheet Mask Gift Set

      Y’all, this set contains 10 (!!!) different sheet masks, plus two exfoliators, for the price you sometimes cant even find for one mask. These LAPCOS masks are filled with nourishing ingredients that make your skin extra glowy every time. Im a huge fan of their hand mask as well—its essential for keeping my hands soft after tons of washing and sanitizing!

      Equilibria
      Daily Treatment Oil

      Not only does this treatment oil look super luxe, it’s filled with full-spectrum CBD, squalane oil, evening primrose oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and more nourishing oils. I use this after moisturizer in my nighttime skincare routine when my skin is broken out to calm down inflammation and redness, and it works flawlessly; but the list of uses is endless. I’ve tried a lot of facial oils on the market, and this one has quickly made it to the tippy-top of my favorites.
      Use code code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order!

      Sonic Toothbrush

      A toothbrush might not seem like your ordinary beauty-lovers’ gift, but this isn’t your ordinary toothbrush either. This sonic toothbrush is made of charcoal bristles to promote whiter teeth without all those sensitizing strips and toothpastes. Plus, its bristles are gentler than other toothbrushes (no bleeding gums!), it vibrates to tell you to move to another area of the mouth, and it automatically shuts off after two minutes. Oh, and it comes in three colors. It’s basically the smartphone of toothbrushes.

      Serums Trio

      If you want something a little more than just a serum (although we highly suggest Glow Maker on its own!), grab this set of Maelove’s three serums for calming, hydrating, and brightening.

      Polished Perfection Thermal Straightening Brush 2.0

      Blow-dry brushes aren’t a new concept, but they’re essential in the toolkit of a busy person who still wants to look put-together (i.e. pretty much everyone you know). This straightening brush makes straightening your hair a breeze and eliminates some of the breakage and damage you would get from a traditional flat iron. Plus, it’s under $100? Who couldn’t name at least five people in their life who’d love this?

      Vanity Planet
      Aira Ionic Facial Steamer

      At-home spa days have only just begun, and this facial steamer is a great addition to a skincare routine someone might not have thought of yet. Steam is a great tool to help you relax and soften the skin, making extractions, peels, and masks even more effective on the surface of your skin. Tip: add your favorite essential oil for an ultra-relaxing spa experience at home!

      Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Essentials Set

      Sets can be a tricky thing to purchase. But when you find a mind-blowing one like this, you want to shout it from the rooftops. This contains a full-size of our editor-favorite Benefiance eye cream (it’s super hydrating and plumping while preventing wrinkles), which already makes it worth the $70 price tag. So, you’re essentially getting all of these extras for free! The Benefiance eye patches are another TEG editor favorite, and the day cream and concentrate for perfect for addressing dryness this winter. This is the ideal skincare set that’s on my personal wishlist!

      Grande Cosmetics
      Goldie Luxe Lash and Brow Serum Set

      Another set that’s totally worth the money, if you’ve had your eye on GrandeLash (the eyelash serum our editors swear by for long, thick lashes), go for this set. You get your money’s worth with the full-size lash serum, making the travel-size lash and brow serums a bonus.

      Honey Infused Hair Oil

      Gisou is *the* social media brand of 2020, so you’ve probably seen its gorgeous branding all over Instagram already. This luxe hair oil is up there in price, but the 590 five-star reviews on Sephora all say it’s totally worth it. For a glamorous gift, opt for this.

      Olaplex Restore & Protect Set

      It’s no secret were huge Olaplex fans here. If you color your hair in any capacity, Olaplex is essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong. The Bond Smoother is my favorite product from the line (it’s the best leave-in treatment I’ve ever tried and lasts forever), but we also can’t forget the tried-and-true No. 3 Hair Perfector: the ultimate pre-shower treatment to lock in moisture and actually rebuild your hair from the inside out. And if you’re trying both, you might as well try the set, which includes a travel-size conditioner and both the shampoo and conditioner in mini sizes to try.

      Mini Facial Toning Device

      You’ve heard us rave about the NuFACE countless times over the last year, and there was never a better time to get it than now. Beauty gadgets don’t always feel like something you can easily purchase yourself, especially when they’re a splurge. This makes it an ideal gift that someone won’t see coming but will be thanking you for endlessly. Need one more reminder about what the NuFace is? It’s a microcurrent facial toning device that emits electricity into the face (wild, right?) to help with evening skin tone, promoting collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and my favorite: contouring the face. This is the #1 beauty product I’ve added to my life this year, and trust me: I’ve tried A LOT.

      Beauty Sleep Pillow and Eye Mask Collection Gift Set

      In the same vein as the Slip hair ties, their pillowcase and eye mask set are a beauty-lovers’ dream. I was a naysayer for a while, but after trying the pillowcase recently, I’m officially a believer. It has noticeably impacted the health of my hair, and it’s pretty comfortable to sleep on too! If you do your hair at night, this is a must because it hold your style even while you’re tossing and turning. This is the splurge-y gift you cannot go wrong with—I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t swoon seeing this under their Christmas tree. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      Our Favorite Cozy Pieces to Get You Through Winter

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      Temperatures are dropping, darkness seems like it is happening MUCH earlier than in a usual November, and Netflix Original holiday movies are playing on a loop on our TVs. Yes, that awkward time where it’s not quite winter but it’s not really fall anymore either is here. If there’s one thing I know about this time, it’s that I’m always cold and I only want to wear things that can be classified as extremely cozy. I am embarrassed to admit that I am literally to the point where even putting on leggings is too much work for me (I know, it’s tragic). 
      That being said, I’ve been on a serious mission to find things that are incredibly comfy, keep me warm, and as mentioned, are extremely cozy. I can imagine that my FBI agent is probably very concerned about why I’ve visited the Aerie website approximately 9,000 times in the past three weeks. So given all the cozy-hunting I’ve been doing, I’ve managed to find some of the best pieces to buy right now to keep you comfortable this winter.
      Check out some of our absolute favorite cozy loungewear, pajamas, robes, slippers, and more: More

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      in health and weelbeing

      How to Get Through the Holiday Season Loneliness When You Can’t See Your Family

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      The holidays will be different this year, and this is a fact I am still processing. The holidays are my favorite time of year, and I know COVID-19 is real. But it is still strange to have to choose isolation during such a special time of year because of a global pandemic. I have personally been feeling the emotional effects of COVID-19 isolation since I am nearly 3,000 miles away from my hometown and family. It wasn’t until September that I started to feel a significant emotional shift. Since I have opted not to go home for Thanksgiving this year (this will be my first Thanksgiving away from home) due to taking COVID-19 safety precautions, I am truthfully feeling a double whammy of sadness. However, I know staying put is the safest choice for my family and me. I thought breaking the news to my parents would be difficult, but they beat me to it—sharing their concern about risking exposure to fly home.It’s safe to assume that I am not the only person who will be spending the holidays alone this year. With that in mind, I reached out to Dr. Gail Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the Personology podcast; and Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, a licensed therapist and the medical director of behavioral health at Doctor On Demand, to seek out their guidance on how to cope with loneliness this holiday season. 

      Know that it’s normal to feel more lonely during the holidays
      Feeling lonely or melancholy during this time of the year isn’t abnormal. So if you find yourself feeling less enthusiastic as the holidays grow near, Dr. Benders-Hadi said these feelings aren’t uncommon. “Many people feel more lonely during the holidays since this time of year may bring back memories of time spent with family members they have lost, or feelings of sadness around the status of relationships they have with family or friends,” she told The Everygirl. “There is so much pressure to get into the holiday spirit that if you are not feeling joyous, this time of year can be very difficult.” Since we aren’t alone in having these feelings during the holidays, how do we navigate them? Our experts have a few tips. 

      Connect virtually
      Both experts agree that virtual connections can be beneficial. “Virtual connections can absolutely create a positive sense of community,” Benders-Hadi said. “Similar to how many individuals find it easier to connect to healthcare professionals from the comfort of their own home, the same rings true for developing new friendships and connections. When connecting virtually, the reach of your community is also so much more widespread across the nation and even the world, so you have the ability to learn and experience things you may never have had the opportunity to otherwise.”
      While virtual connections offer an opportunity to open up your world, Saltz said, don’t be afraid to connect one on one. “You need to pump up the emotional content of the conversation when it’s virtual,” she explained. “Be kinder, express more positive feelings, and listen to them more.”

      Source: West Elm

      Fill your time with a new hobby, but don’t isolate
      When we went into quarantine, I was the new hobby queen until I got fatigued. After talking with my therapist, I soon realized that those activities made me feel busy, but still left me feeling alone. If you’re going to pick up a new hobby, bring those you love in on it. “It’s actually more helpful to reach out to others and try to have more intimate, valuable conversations with them,” Saltz said. “That will make you feel better than a solo activity.”
      If you’re unable to go home for the holidays, try booking an online cooking experience with Airbnb (I love them) or schedule a time with a group of your family members to learn a sacred holiday recipe like sweet potato pie or mac and cheese. This way, you’re still a part of your family traditions, but now in a new way.

      Be supportive of others
      Everyone will be dealing with something different this holiday season, including loss. If you don’t know what to say to someone who is grieving, our mental health experts have sound advice. “If you know someone coping with the loss of a loved one this holiday season, reach out to let them know you care,” Benders-Hadi advised. “It can be easy to get caught up in negative thinking and grief around this time of the year, so showing that person you are thinking of them can go a long way. A simple phone call or a small gesture are great ways to display kindness to someone struggling.” Saltz added that normalizing a loved one’s grief is also important. “[Express] that you understand it is sad, rather than saying things like, ‘Don’t be sad.’ Reminisce with them of happy times with that lost one, be supportive, and be present.”

      Plan moments to look forward to
      COVID-19 has changed how we live and plan to spend time with our family and friends, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun reminiscing about old times while being hopeful about the future. “If you can’t be with those you love this holiday season, get together on a video call and share a laugh or some memories from afar. You can even start making plans for what you will do when you can see each other again. Having something to look forward to can help ease stress in these uncertain times, even if you have to do so with flexible travel dates,” said Benders-Hadi.  

      I hate to say this is the “new normal” because, let’s face it, none of what we’re experiencing right now is normal. But, I hope one (or all) of these expert tips helps remind you, you aren’t alone.  More

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      in beauty and fashion

      6 Cozy Outfits That Are Perfect for a Casual Thanksgiving

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      Listen, I get it: even those amongst us who get the most possible joy from cute clothes are pretty over anything but sweats this year. What started out as wearing real clothes just for ourselves to work from home in has turned into fatigue and prioritizing comfort over all else—and hell, I think we deserve that.You don’t need me to tell you that this year, Thanksgiving—which usually serves as the holiday with the highest-stakes outfit planning and the runway for proving your family that you are, in fact, the most fashionable cousin—looks a bit, well, different. Most of us aren’t going to put on our usual Thanksgiving look to sit in the house with our immediate family at most, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear your old, stained sweats; we say that the strategy for this year is wearing cute sweats.
      We’ve styled six different outfits that are perfect for feeling a little special come Turkey day, while also ensuring that you’ll be extra cozy. Bonus: there isn’t a pair of jeans in sight.

      1.

      joggers / joggers (plus-size option) bodysuit / mug / slippers

      2.

      sweater / pants / loafers / necklace

      3.

      pants / pants (plus-size option) sweater / slippers / hoops

      4.

      pants / pants (plus-size option) / turtleneck / slippers / necklace

      5.

      cardigan / joggers / joggers (plus-size option) slippers / scrunchie

      6.

      joggers / joggers (plus-size option) / sweater / bow / socks More

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      in beauty and fashion

      25 Insanely Cute Holiday Ornaments

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      Growing up, my mom took a lot of pride in our Fancy Tree. The day after Thanksgiving, she’d trek into the basement, search through a mess of storage boxes, and revive her beloved pre-lit tree for it to make its long-awaited debut. She’d spend hours fluffing it up, trimming it with sparkly whites and golds, and taking steps back with her hands on her hips to admire it from afar. The annual rebirth of Fancy Tree was a symbolic start to the holiday season; it made our house feel like a home straight out of an HGTV commercial.Once Fancy Tree was in business, the real fun began. Enter Fun Tree: our downstairs, faux tree strung with multicolored lights and a collection of ornaments from the time my parents married through my toddler years to the birth of my youngest sibling and beyond. We would put up the ornaments, laughing at the stories behind them, recounting how much we’d grown, and wondering where the time had gone. From a designer’s eye, Fun Tree was a hot mess. To us, it was absolutely perfect.
      Whether you prefer your tree to be a Joanna Gaines-worthy masterpiece or a beautiful mess of memories, there’s always room to add a little piece of the present. We’ve rounded up our favorite 2020 ornaments to add to your collection. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      10 Rituals I’ll Be Using to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

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      If the holidays were exactly like the carols we sing, the season would be a happy, peaceful montage of cozying up by the fire and riding in a sleigh. Unfortunately, that’s not all it is. It’s also a lot of traveling, busy schedules, spending half of your bank account on gifts, and stress-eating the yule log (what even is a yule log, anyway!?). If we’re not prepared, the holidays can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and just plain unhealthy. As a holistic health coach, I’m currently working with clients to prepare their minds, bodies, and habits so that the holidays can be as enjoyable, stress-free, and healthy as possible. Here are 10 rituals that I’ll be using myself to stay healthy through New Year’s Eve that can help you stay healthy too:
      1. Ditching food rules
      I used to have the idea in the back of my head that pumpkin pie, croissant rolls, mac n’ cheese, and all the other holiday dishes I loved were “bad.” Sure, it was a special occasion, but eating what I wanted at Thanksgiving or Christmas always felt like I had to make up for it later, or since it was a one-time thing, I’d binge until I was sick. Since then, I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as “bad” or “good” when it comes to diet: some foods have more nutritional value than others, but you’re not “bad” when you want to eat something with less nutritional value. When we put a moral value on foods, what’s meant to nourish us becomes associated with guilt.
      De-mystifying holiday foods and permitting yourself to eat whatever you want helps you be more in better control of your food choices. This season, I will mindfully indulge, knowing I never limit or deprive myself, whether it’s the holidays or not. Therefore, I will choose to eat smaller portions and crave more nutritious foods because getting rid of food rules will stop the want-what-you-can’t-have allure that comes with labeling foods as “off-limits.”

      2. Focusing on adding more veggies
      Thanks to ditching food rules, you bet I will be enjoying mashed potatoes, cornbread, and pasta. But I also know that those foods just don’t make me feel good. After eating too much gluten, dairy, or sugar, I feel sluggish, uncomfortably bloated, and typically get stomach aches or headaches. To stay my healthiest self and enjoy this time with my family as much as possible, I’ll still eat whatever I want (totally guilt-free), but my focus for each meal will be on adding more veggies to the plate. Holiday side dishes like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and the salad that no one touches are filled with good-for-you nutrients that will make me feel energized and satisfied. I’ll fill up my plate with the nutrients my body needs, while still being able to enjoy the traditional holiday foods that I love. 

      Source: @alainakaz

      3. Getting extra sleep
      On holiday vacation, getting a lot of sleep is a given. I’m back in my childhood room, I’m wearing cozy AF pajamas, and I don’t have to wake up at 6:30am for work–the odds of good sleep are very much in my favor. Luckily for my health goals, that extra sleep is not just a perk of a national holiday; it can also help me stay healthy. Getting enough quality sleep is beneficial for many reasons, like improving mood and energy. Plus, sleep will help me make better food decisions. Cravings (especially sugar cravings) can be worsened by lack of sleep, so if you’re not getting a good 7-9 hours, that gingerbread cookie or pumpkin pie could sound a lot more appetizing. Bottom line: the holidays are a time of laughter and family, but I’m also using them as a time to rest and restore.  

      4. Moving my body every day
      Traditionally, I was the 60-minute-workout-class-or-nothing kind of girl. Previous years, I stopped working out whenever I was traveling or my beloved exercise studios closed for the holidays. But this year is going to be different. Back in March, when the stay-at-home order hit and all gyms closed down, I was forced to fit in movement however I could, rather than depending on expensive workout classes. I started to notice I was actually listening to my body–not only about when to workout, but how (does my body need to burn some energy and dance around the living room, or does it need a relaxing yoga session?).
      Now, movement is a part of my daily routine. I don’t do a workout class or yoga flow because I’m supposed to; I do it because it will make my mind and body feel good. And I wouldn’t want to give that feeling up, whether I’m in my normal routine or at my family’s house for Thanksgiving. Some days, that movement might look like an online workout class, while other days it will look like a walk with my mom or stretching on the floor while watching a Christmas movie. No matter what kind, movement has become a non-negotiable for helping me feel my best.

      5. Having snacks before big meals 
      Another sad habit younger Josie used to have: during a day like Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve when I knew I’d be eating a lot of food, I’d barely eat anything earlier that day so I could go to the meal super hungry. Part of it was thinking that feeling ~famished~ would help me enjoy the meal more, but mostly it was to “save calories” that I could then spend on the indulgent dinner.
      However, not only is limiting foods depriving your body of crucial nutrients, but if you’re hungry and blood sugar is low, you won’t be able to make decisions based on what your body really wants (not to mention the punch hits a lot quicker). Instead, I’ll be eating at least two meals pre-feast that are filled with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to prevent hunger and low blood sugar later in the day. I will also fit in some additional nutrients like carrots, celery, or leafy greens when I know the next meal would be less nutrient-dense (looking at you, Christmas-Eve fettuccine!).

      Source: @josie.santi

      6. Keeping up with a daily probiotic
      Being the health nut that I am, I have the most stereotypical amount of supplements (they take up multiple shelves). I always put adaptogens in my coffee, love experimenting with Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs, and have never met an all-natural label that I didn’t like. However, I’m not planning on lugging around massive pill cases and supplement bottles while traveling. Instead, I’ll be packing the one non-negotiable supplement that will help me stay healthy through the holidays: a probiotic. Probiotics help keep your gut healthy, which basically keeps the rest of your body healthy too: the gut is connected to the brain, the immune system, and even your skin. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for a healthy body, the gut is it. Taking a probiotic also helps me digest better, reduces bloat, and keeps me, um, regular. It’s worth the luggage room.

      7. Practicing intuitive eating
      Holiday meals are proof that we don’t just eat to survive or because something tastes good; we eat for enjoyment, social connection, ritual, and celebration. Instead of scarfing down food (as tempting as that is!), I’m focusing on using mealtime as a mindfulness practice. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a plate of Christmas cookies on the counter while you’re working from home, practice eating intuitively. Notice the smells and tastes of the food, take time to thoroughly chew, and feel thankful for the nourishment you’re receiving (’tis the season!). Notice how your body is feeling and stop when you’re no longer hungry. I try to practice intuitive eating all the time, but the holidays require extra focus to make meals sacred, mindful, and intentional. 

      Source: @tourdelust

      8. Making time for myself
      To my family (and most families), the holiday season usually looks like the McCallisters before a vacation: rushed, busy, and crowded. I have a big family, and we always like to fill the holidays with lots of togetherness, parties, and traditions. The holiday season in 2020 will look a little different: it will just be my parents and siblings instead of cousins, aunts, and uncles. We’ll also be staying at home instead of running around the city or traveling to see family. While I’m most excited to finally be with my loved ones again (I’ve been quarantined in LA for way too long!), I am also going to give myself time to be alone. Whether that means going on walks in the mornings or taking a bath before bed, making time for self-care (even during times when I’m not focusing on myself) will help keep stress levels low and improve how connected I feel to my body.

      9. Cooking for my family
      In my opinion, it’s possible to make every traditional holiday dish healthier. Even replacing conventional butter with organic butter reduces some of the added chemicals and toxins, or adding chopped spinach to the sauce can boost nutrients. Healthy cooking doesn’t have to sacrifice taste, and trying to eat healthier does not have to mean you forego your favorite foods.
      To me, healthy cooking is one way I show love. Call me weird, but making a quinoa dish for my dad or getting my lamb-chop-and-bourbon-loving grandma to eat some leafy greens makes me feel so happy. In my mind, cooking healthy dishes is like giving the people I love and want to live as long as possible the nutrients that help them do that. The fact that I get to eat those nutrients and delicious dishes too is just a bonus. Not sure where to start? Check out these plant-based Thanksgiving recipes that even your most critical aunt will love.

      Source: @ebethgillette

      10. Being open to new traditions
      I know I’m sounding like a broken Bing Crosby record at this point, but this holiday season is not going to look like holiday seasons of Christmas past. While that means missing out on a lot of happy traditions, it also means we have the opportunity to take a look at traditions that are no longer bringing us joy: rushed holiday shopping, expensive wishlists, and busy schedules.
      I also think it will be interesting to see what new traditions you can try out this year that might carry into next: taking a walk after dinner, baking pumpkin bread with your sister, playing in the snow, or a cooking a dish that’s so good, you’ll want to bring to every future Thanksgiving. With the removal of old traditions we’ve kept without question for years, we have the opportunity to incorporate new traditions that are not only good for our souls, but good for our bodies too. I’ll be taking this season to find some new worthwhile traditions, and I hope you will too! 

      What rituals are you using to stay your healthiest this season? More