How to Avoid Holiday Stress 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again! The time for family gatherings (but not this year), holiday feasts (maybe), and, according to my TV, buying brand new his-and-hers SUVs (not ever).

I’m not being sarcastic, I do enjoy the holiday season, but there’s no question that it’s stressful. The whirlwind of holiday excitement, decorating the homestead, dredging up the same old family fights, last-minute shopping, and love-hating the winter weather can be a lot, even under the best of circumstances. For all the people who relish this time of year, there are others who dread it.

Here's how to keep stress to a minimum and enjoy the holidays again. 

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How to Boost Your Serotonin

Serotonin is a funny one.

Although the prevailing sentiment is that we want to “increase serotonin,” it’s not that simple. There’s no indication that more serotonin is necessarily better in every situation, or even generally. The link between serotonin and “happiness” or “mood” isn’t so clear-cut as the experts would have you believe, either. So while I am going to tell you how to “boost” serotonin levels because serotonin is a vital neurotransmitter, I plan on sticking to foods, supplements, and behaviors that promote physiological levels of serotonin. Boosting serotonin beyond what the body is designed for may not help you, and it may have unpleasant and unwanted effects.

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Cranberry Sauce with No Added Sugar

Cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and tangy zing to any Thanksgiving spread. Problem is, cranberries are naturally pretty sour on their own, and the sweetness you taste in most recipes usually comes from more sugar than a can of soda.

If you’re going to indulge in sweets, save it for dessert. This cranberry sauce recipe is sweetened with applesauce, with the option to use maple syrup, honey, or your favorite natural sweetener if you want to tone down the tartness.

It’s easy to make, and likely the quickest recipe you’ll make for your whole Thanksgiving celebration. Here’s how to do it.

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Sweet and Sour Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts seem like an obligatory part of the Thanksgiving table and people either avoid them with derogatory comments and exasperated facial expressions, or pile 'em up on their plates with gusto. These humble baby cabbages shouldn't be blamed for the derision—their bitterness can be masked with the right cooking technique and sauce. These roasted Brussels sprouts dazzle the palate with bitter, sweet, salty, sour flavors that harmonize gorgeously with oven caramelization. A spattering of slightly lemony fresh thyme brightens the complex flavors and perfumes the Brussels sprouts with an herby holiday scent. 

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Increasing Bone Density Through Whole Life Living, with Primal Health Coach Jennifer Beamer

Though I thought I had been doing everything right, living by the healthy guidelines of the day, I had to dig deeper, find the root cause, and create change immediately. I created a comprehensive bone building program for myself, eliminating things causing bone loss, and adding those that would remineralize bone.

Many elements came into the picture, and I created a strategy including the four pillars of health; nourishing food, intelligent movement, quality rest and positive mindset.

I did it by going Primal and getting to the root of the problem. The Primal Health model provides a whole life approach to elevating health at a cellular level…from nutrient dense, low inflammatory food, to empowering movement, quality rest, time in sunshine and nature, and life balance.

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