Give the Gift of Health this Holiday Season
         
Throughout history, people have shared meals to celebrate special occasions. With friends and family working together to prepare the food they had harvested, these meals came to represent a precious time for conversation, laughter and wholesome nutrition.

In modern times, we still share meals to mark special occasions. Yet these celebrations have changed considerably over the years. Our consumer society has placed increasing emphasis on the giving of material things. And because so many people are busy buying the latest and greatest gifts, they often have less time to prepare wholesome and nutritious meals for themselves and those around them.

This year, I recommend returning to the original spirit of the holidays by giving gifts of organic fresh fruits, vegetables and dry goods. You can buy many of these goods while shopping for your own groceries, helping to avoid crowded malls. At the same time, you will be providing those you care about most with a wholesome alternative to the processed sweets and heavy food so often associated with this time of year. Here are a few suggestions to include in your winter gift baskets:

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables. Many winter fruits and vegetables are beautiful shades of orange, which means they are high in vitamin A, known for promoting tissue healing and cold prevention. Try persimmons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes or yams.

Garlic and More. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, garlic, onions, leeks and chives are used to open the sinuses. These ingredients can be lightly stir-fried to ward off chills and prevent colds.

Almonds and Walnuts. High in protein, almonds and walnuts help increase energy to help keep the body warm during cold winter months.

Tea. People have enjoyed the soothing, warming properties of a good cup of tea for centuries. Add rosebud tea to your gift basket to help calm nerves, chrysanthemum to compensate for too much alcohol and oily food, and goji berry to help increase energy and prevent colds. Each of these teas is easily available through my office.

Order Organic. No time to make a gift basket? A variety of organic grocers are now online, and will ship overnight. Diamond Organics (www.diamondorganics.com) is one company I have used and recommend.

So give the gift of health this holiday season! To learn more or make an appointment, contact my office by calling 415.544-9104.