This the season for FOOD! 

With so many holiday foods around, there is focus on desserts and drinks. I say, why save all the fun for desserts and alcohol? We can refresh our everyday staples with the same seasonal flavors without losing the nutritional value. 

Today we wrap up the final episode of the Happy Holiday Eating series! I am sharing two ways you can refresh and recharge your fuel plan over the holiday season. The best part? It is simply building on foods you are already eating!  

Tip #1: Boost your beverages! We need to hydrate all year long, but when the weather shifts it can be more challenging to stay motivated. There is no better way to stay motivated to drink than to add some seasonal flavors to your beverages. 

My current favorite: The Golden Milk Latte!!! Made with turmeric and milk, this creamy hug in a mug is a great blend of protein from the milk and nutrition from a unique spice. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a naturally potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting spice that not only has healing properties, but it also tastes really good in a cozy latte! It helps to consume it with black pepper. Pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric by up to 2,000%. Curcumin is also fat soluble, which means it breaks down and dissolves in fat or oil. That’s why it may be a good idea to take curcumin supplements or have turmeric with a meal that contains fat. In this case, using almond milk or 2%/whole milk is ideal. And I know, I know... turmeric and pepper in a latte? Sounds weird, but I swear it is delicious! 

Tip #2: Refresh Your Staples with Seasonal Flavors! Most would agree that the easiest meal to eat with balance and intentionality is breakfast. We don't have the normal distractions or extra options that we might have at meals later in the day. Over the holidays, take this one meal and refresh it with seasonal flavors. My rubric for breakfast (and this is true for most of the fuel plans I write) is to include at least 20g of protein with natural color. If you work out in the morning, you will also need to add a high-fiber carb to this meal.  Smoothies, oatmeal, and Greek yogurt are common bases for many breakfasts. Below are some ideas on how to seasonally spice these up! 

Make a Gingerbread Smoothie! Recipe @jessbrownrd or make your own cranberry sauce to replace berries in your oats or Greek yogurt. 

Can't wait to hear what you come up with! 

I know you are loving the Empowered Eating approach to food and wanting more details. This is why I created my FREE Empowered Eating Masterclass. I created this training to help you feel more confident and strong in your body without obsessing over food or wasting time on another failed diet. You in??? 

Until next time... cheers and happy holiday eating! 

Jess