There are traditions that come with each Thanksgiving. When I travel from Buffalo, NY to Austin, TX I am never more aware of the richness of the cultural diversity in our country and the world. You just don’t see alot of cornbread stuffing in the Northeast. Down south I see alot more folks grilling and deep frying their turkeys. Last year I had two Thanksgivings. One in each city. This year I decided to let go of past traditions and be present with what I could celebrate here in Austin. Mix in a few ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle tips and I have what I think is the perfect receipe for observing the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

My Natural Health tips:
~ Start a new tradition…….start a gratitude journal. On Thanksgiving Day I start a new book and write 5 things each morning that I am grateful for from the previous day. It creates an attitude that is positive for the rest of the day.

~ We all know we will over eat this day, but do so at the earliest possible time. Your digestive fires peak between, 10am and 2pm, considered a Pitta time of day in Ayurveda. This means more of the food you eatwill get burned off ,the earlier you eat.

~ Eat some Fennel. Fennel works wonderfully to aide indigestion bloating and gas. three ways to use: slices fresh fennel into a salad, buy candied fennel from the Indian grocery section and add it to the dessert table, or add a few drops of fennel and lemon essential oils to your water pitcher before filling glasses. To order oils go to: https://www.youngliving.org/marthaessential

~ As tempting as it is to lay on the couch and watch football for the rest of the day, go for a walk after you finish eating, even if it is 15 minutes, this works with your body rather than against it, to digest food more easily.

~If you gotta rest right after eating lay down for 15 minutes on your left side. This aides in allowing the stomach to clear quickly and efficiently, relieving that bloated, heavy feeling.

~ Volunteer!! Atleast once in your lifetime, volunteer to serve at a homeless shelter or food pantry on Thanksgiving Day. You will be amazed how grateful you are for your life and it’s blessings, no matter how difficult, or stressful it may have seemed in the last year.

~ Call your friends and family and encourage them to start a gratitude journal. Call everyone who you will be sharing dinner with and ask them to list 5 things they are grateful for. Share them as a prayer before you eat.

~ Visit : http://www.makeadifference.com/U/?mgesegnet
and watch Mary’s Thanksgiving movie, pass the link on, share it with a friend. (They make great Christmas gifts).

Vow to carry the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout the year. See the light and love in a stranger’s eyes not just this day but everyday. Say “Good Morning” with cheer like you do on Thanksgiving, a few times a week, and before you know it, the contagious spirit will have spread through your house, through your work place. Each of us has the power to change the world, with a smile and a Hello.