Don’t you hate it when you feel gross after eating too many treats or one too many pies? (Err…I mean, pieces of pie…)
I’ll be the first to admit how much I love chocolate on everything, but if I eat Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees, I’ll regret it. Never mind all the health risks of high-fructose corn syrup and red 40 that’s in, like, everything. Sometimes it’s hard to know if something you eat is going to ruin your evening - until it’s too late
You don’t have to dread the tummy crummies after a family get-together (or worry about the weight you’ll want to lose come January 1st), if you make a few simple switches in how you enjoy your holiday favorites.
Here are 4 easy ways to eat healthier and still enjoy your favorite foods:
Swap refined sugars and artificial sweeteners that mess up your stomach, for nutrient-dense, natural sweeteners like local honey or, my personal preference, pure maple syrup. Yes, they still contain natural sugars, but they are some of the most natural sweeteners and are great for baking and sauces.
The last thing you want during the holidays is inflammation, so watch your oils. Seed oils, canola, or vegetable oils are all considered inflammatory oils - your body won’t like ‘em. But don’t worry, there are cooking oils that will be so much better for you - Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and tallow (our favorite) are just a few that your body will thank you for.
There is plenty of research linking red 40 (food coloring) to behaviors like aggression and ADHD in children, and migraines in adults. It is made of petroleum and is considered generally safe - unless you’re allergic to it. You be the judge of how much you consume, but if you want to ditch the food dyes, I suggest going for straight chocolate - preferably dark chocolate… but maybe that’s just me.
I know I already mentioned sweeteners, but this one deserves a little more attention. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is cheaper and sweeter than regular sugar and is known for leading to insulin resistance, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and high blood sugar. Like I said- not your friend. For a healthier swap, look for treats that use cane sugar instead.
Whether you’re baking for the family, or buying treats for a party, implementing these simple changes will make the holidays a little more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about how those ingredients are wreaking havoc on your insides.
If your health is important to you, and you want to take ownership of what you and your family are consuming, you’re in the right place. We are passionate about enjoying foods that benefit the well-being of our family and the people we care about.
Ingredient labels can be confusing and misleading, and we have found the best way to make sure we’re avoiding harmful chemicals and unwanted additives is to simplify our diet to reflect how our ancestors ate (when they were healthy and self-reliant). We also had to get educated about what’s going on with our food industry, and what these unpronounceable ingredients really are.
If you want more information about food labels, I think you’ll benefit from our free Meat Label Report. We explain terms like “organic”, “grass-fed”, and “Product of the USA” and what they really mean. We also break down what chemicals and vaccinations are allowed, or not allowed, to qualify for some of these sought-after labels. [GET THE MEAT LABEL REPORT HERE]
Enjoy your family and loved ones this holiday season, and remember the reason for the season. Our hearts are full of gratitude and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We celebrate His humble birth and the love and light He makes possible in this crazy, chaotic, amazing world.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas,
The Taylors
1984 Farms
