Holiday Drinking

The holiday parties have begun and that usually means drinking.  Everyone should drink responsibly and DO NOT drive after drinking.

If you find that you have drank to much here are some helpful tips that might help you deal with the next day a bit easier.

•  Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a magnesium deficiency, Individuals with lower magnesium levels may experience a more severe hangover.  (pumpkin seeds are very high)
• Eat eggs the next morning, it help break down toxins in your liver and will also give you energy.
• Drink lots of water, before you drink while you are and after. Dehydration causes headaches and makes it harder for your body to dilute the toxins in your body. Drink one glass of water to every alcoholic drink, it will help space your drinks and keep you hydrated.    Drink fruit juice to help rid the body of toxins and replenish vitamins.
• Vitamin C helps the liver to break down the alcohol, drink orange juice
• Eat foods high in potassium like a bananas, cantaloupe, papaya and carrots

The Tranquility Mineral

Magnesium helps your body absorb Vitamin C and Calcium, but it also helps decrease stress.  So during this stressful time of the year here are a few foods that you can eat while you are out shopping or an easy snack to pack for your kids for school.
A handful of any of these- Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds
1 medium Banana  (that's why monkeys are so relaxed)
1 cup of any of these-  Barley, oat bran, buckwheat, brown rice, whole wheat
3 oz. - Tuna
1 Cup of any of these- Black beans, artichoke, spinach
For a quick on the go snack try this recipe.
Granola

INGREDIENTS:

8 cups rolled oats 1 1/2 cups wheat germ 1 1/2 cups oat bran 1 cup pumpkin seeds 1 cup finely chopped almonds 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup 3/4 cup honey 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries 1 cup dehydrated banana chips

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.
2.	Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, pumpkin seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.
3.	Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins or cranberries and banana chips before storing in an airtight container.