healthbriefs
A HEALTHY
Celebrating
GLOW
Candles made from soy are an
Winter
easy alternative to expensive
beeswax candles for revelers
Solstice
who have learned to shun passé
I
n many cultures, traditions associated petroleum-based paraffi n for
with the winter solstice on December
a glowingly Earth-friendly
21—marking the longest night and short-
holiday home. Both beeswax
est day of the year—spark celebrations.
But with all the winter holiday to-dos
and soy candles are nontoxic
and fewer daylight hours, this fun time and produce less soot than
of year can also be draining. Rituals can
old-style candles; they also
help us remember that life, like the sun, is cycling itself to rebound with strength.
burn longer and clean up more
We can recognize the solstice as a powerful moment of annual turning by
lighting a candle or burning a Yule log, in keeping with ancient traditions. It’s a
easily in the event of spillage.
time to seek warmth by surrounding ourselves with friends and family dear to our
hearts. It’s a time to bring mistletoe, holly, ivy and piney evergreens home, gather
Source: Soya.be
around the table, laugh over shared stories, read poetry and renew our spirits with
photographed memories of recent vacations.
Solstice brings a time of stillness and reflection. Placing seeds such as acorns
into an offering bowl serves as a gentle reminder of nature’s empowering renewal
of life through rebirth. Children will enjoy venturing outdoors to look at the stars
through a telescope. Stargazing on a clear night is a humbling experience that can
shift and lift our mood and perspective.
Source: Adapted from Shambhala.org.
Good Foods for a Healthy Holiday Bash
will walk away from a brighter, lighter multigrain French bread, served with
table, satisfied and in good cheer. appetizers and dinner, are filling and
pack a punch in fiber and protein.
• Beverage options include lower-calo-
rie drinks, such as mineral water with • Choose side dishes that need little
spritzers of lime or orange juice, iced “dressing up,” such as sweet potatoes,
holiday-flavored herbal teas, light beer wild rice or couscous.
and holiday punches made with pure
fruit juices and sparkling water. • Fish and seafood serve as festive,
healthy main courses.
• Fruit and vegetable trays do double
duty as edible centerpieces. Go for • Simple ingredient changes cut the
color and texture. Enrich with low-fat fat and sugar, while adding nutritional
cheeses, nuts and dried fruits, such as value and flavor to traditional dishes.
apricots, dates and cranberries. Examples include replacing a third
of the mashed potatoes with mashed
W
inter just would not be the same
• Dips and spreads become healthier cauliflower or adding mashed peas
without family, friends, music,
with low-fat sour cream, yogurt or neuf- to avocados for a great dip with half
decor and yes, those much-anticipated
châtel cheese, a cream cheese natu- the fat.
holiday parties. With a few simple
rally lower in fat. A dash of fresh herbs
tricks and a substitution here or there,
boosts flavor and nutrition. Primary sources: Adapted from Web-
the all-important party foods can be
MD.com, NaturalSolutionsMag.com,
both delicious and healthy. Guests
• Whole wheat rolls, pita wedges or Life.Gaiam.com.
8 Genesee, Lapeer & Shiawassee
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