Readers of this blog know I love to draw parallels between personal finance and food.
Example: Target Date Funds = Crock Pot meals.
Not gourmet, but consistent, easy, low cost, and usually a decent result at the end.
Imagine my delight when I met Certified Nutritionist Tamara John and she was willing to contribute to my blog. Here are some strategies to keep your health and wealth on track during the holidays!
Plan to Choose Wisely.
Health: At that holiday shindig, look for ingredients that come from nature such as veggies, eggs, beef, poultry, fish, whole grains, olive oil, real butter, and coconut oil to satisfy you. At the store, avoid long un-prounceable ingredients and high wheat and sugar. Fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, corn syrup, maltodextrin are highly processed forms of sugar that promote chaos.
Wealth: When shopping, use a list and purchase intentionally. Online shopping can be helpful because you search exactly what you are looking for and are maybe not as tempted by the end-aisle impulse buys. Once you have bought that tea kettle cozy for Aunt Delilah, do not buy anything more for her, even if you see the perfect quilting stand later.
Start off Right.
Health: Eat a good breakfast. Hard boiled eggs, grass fed plain full fat yogurt with a small handful of walnuts or almonds, baked sweet potato with butter, overnight slow cooker steel cut oats and apples with milk (cow, goat, almond, coconut), wild salmon with cream cheese, and seasonal fresh whole fruit are easy choices to fuel you with long burning energy. Avoiding ‘treats’ at the office and gatherings will be easier. Mood and sleep will improve.
Wealth: Pay yourself first thing. Treat your savings as they are a bill like rent and do not skip months. Set your savings on auto-pilot. Many 401(k) plans offer the option to increase your contribution by 1%/year automatically. If you are in your 20s, you should be paying yourself 10% in savings. If you are just starting off saving in your 40s, that number jumps to 20% of earnings.
Think Long Term about Your Health.
Health: Support your body. Be honest about how much sleep you need and get it. Avoid late night eating. Giving yourself 12 – 14 hours without food from dinner to breakfast supports digestion and natural detoxification. Turn off devices at least an hour before bedtime to sleep better. You’ll accomplish more with good sleep.
Wealth: Don’t let the pressure of keeping up with your family and friends’ consumption derail you from your long term financial goals. Financial security feels so much better than the temporary high of buying something at the store or driving a newer car than Cousin Esther to the Christmas reunion.
Practicing these strategies daily will help you and your family feel better now & enjoy the holidays more.
Tam John is a certified Nutritionist with EatRight-LiveWell specializing in Personalized Wellness Coaching. Tam will give you complimentary 15 minutes on the phone to explore the fit for you. Mention Sullivan Financial Planning and receive 10% off services!
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care Physician or Naturopathic Doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
