The Practical Nutritionist, LLC

Audrey J Pellegrino, M. Ed, M.HN,CNW®

Nationally board Certified Nutritional Wellness

Holistic Nutritionist/Educator

603-768-3214

practicalnutrition@gmail.com

www.pnutritionist.com

‘Tis the Season to Vary Your Foods

December is the month when young children dream of filled stockings and sugar treats.

It is also the month of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a newer holiday and a celebration of African-American values and cultures. Throughout the United States, including New Hampshire, diversity of cultures and holidays is becoming more common. A huge benefit is that our food is also becoming diverse. When I was a child I would get a tangerine or orange on Christmas morning and I loved it. Now you can go into the market and get coconut, pineapple, kiwi, asian apple pears, cherimoyas, papaya, lychee and even ugli fruits.

This holiday season you may enjoy different fruits or foods sent to you from friends and relatives and I hope you enjoy them. After the holiday season ends remember that it is very important to continue eating a variety of foods. Each food offers a different assortment of vitamins and minerals and it is very important during our cold winter months to eat a variety of foods.

Another very important reason to vary what you eat is that many doctors feel eating the same foods over and over again may lead to food sensitivities or allergies. Think back to the old days,

People ate food that was only in season because that is all they had. This naturally led to a variety of foods because each season presented something different.

This holiday season when you are thinking of what to give others to show you care, think about what you are going to give yourself. If you eat winter squash you will give yourself vitamin A and your eyes will receive a boost. If you eat cabbage you will be aiding your liver to rid your body of toxins and get a vitamin C boost. Eating beets will make your heart healthier because of the Folate you will be eating. Venison is a definitely a seasonal food and is rich in heme iron, the type of iron which is absorbed easily by your body, and iron gives you energy which we all need during the holiday seasons.

So whatever holiday you celebrate, please don’t forget good health is the greatest gift possible for yourself and your loved ones. And remember: “To reduce the holiday stress, eat vegetables more and sugar less. Happy Holidays!”