Natural Awakenings Twin Cities December 2019

conscious eating
THE MERRY VEGAN
People-Pleasing Holiday Sweets
The holidays may send too many
sugar plums and frosted gingerbread
figures dancing in the heads
of people with dietary restrictions. Anyone
that chooses to avoid highly processed flours
or sugars, artificial ingredients and loads of
butter will typically be presented with all of
this and more at social gatherings this time
of year. They arrive on visually appealing
cookie platters that tempt with their cute
shapes, vibrant colors and sparkle.
Some, like the gingerbread and
reindeer cutouts, will beckon with glazed
eyes: “Just one,” they whisper. But one can
turn into nine and make someone that may
by Julie Peterson
Stick with your
favorite recipes
that you know
are going to
be a success
and are going
to leave
everyone’s taste
buds happy.
~Pamela Reed
normally avoid sugar or gluten feel bodily regrets.
Someone that is vegan or allergic may
feel they can’t have treats.
Making healthier choices about food is
difficult for reasons many don’t understand.
“People have relationships with food—involving
family, comfort and traditions—and
they don’t want to give that up,” says James
Brandon, of Tampa, founder of Facebook’s
Vegan and Plant-Based Beginner’s Community.
Brandon says that holiday treats are
tough to resist, but staying true to health
goals is most important in the long run.
The best defense to avoid frustration
at social food events is to bring a dish to
share that meets your dietary needs, says
Megan Gilmore, the author of No Excuses
Detox: 100 Recipes to Help You Eat Healthy
Every Day and a blogger at Detoxinista.
com. “That way, you can introduce something
delicious to your friends, family or
co-workers and be sure you’ll have something
to eat!”
A batch of simple, delectable, visually
appealing and healthful cookies can be that
plate to share, a gift to give or something to
keep on hand for guests. Keep the focus on
simple, advises Pamela Reed, who blogs at
BrooklynFarmGirl.com. There are plenty of
recipes that will satisfy the sweet tooth and
decorate the holiday buffet (until they’re all
eaten, that is). Don’t increase holiday stress by
trying a new recipe at the last minute. “Stick
with your favorite recipes that you know are
going to be a success and are going to leave
everyone’s taste buds happy,” she says.
Transitioning to a more conscious way
of eating isn’t about deprivation or leaving
tradition behind. Bring on the new and
healthful cookie recipes and name one after
your grandma.
Julie Peterson writes from her home
in rural Wisconsin. Contact her at
JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
Quality of life actually
begins at home—it’s in
your street, around your
community.
~Charles Kennedy
Petrovich Nataliya/Shutterstock.com
20 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com