December

Healthy Holidays

December’s theme is Healthy Holidays. While there are some tips and tricks to manage holiday stress and eat better, these tips can certainly be used year-round. See below for articles, recipes, and support from our wonderful community of holistic nutrition professionals.

Articles

  • 5 Ways to Achieve a Stress-Free Holiday Season – Joanna Brown, C.H.N.C. shares some simple tactics that can help you practice wellness throughout this hectic season.
  • Nourish Your Wellbeing to Beat Burnout – After a long year, it’s time to rest and reflect. Sharon K. Summerfield, R.H.N. explores the topic of burnout and some strategies we can incorporate to help us beat burnout. It’s important to take care of your mental wellness, all year round.
  • How to Stay Resilient in Difficult TimesResearch tells us that resilient individuals possess three important characteristics: an ability to understand and face reality, the capacity to find meaning in life, and the skill of improvisation.

What Happens After Graduation?

  • Feel Better Immunity Tea – Make a big pot of this “feel better” tea this winter; it’ll make you want to curl up on the sofa with a good book and be all cozy. It can help support your immune system and digestive system. Extra tip: this can also be enjoyed cold in the summer months. Recipe from Sisley Killam, R.H.N.

Holiday Wellness

  • The Benefits of Deep Breathing to Improve Overall Wellbeing – Take a moment this busy holiday season to practice some deep breathing. This has many benefits and can help you through stressful times and keep you going through the new year. This is a simple thing to do and a step to living more holistically and balanced. Article from Tamryn Burgess, R.H.N.
Why CSNN?

Life-Changing Benefits

Health is the gift that keeps on giving. CSNN enlightens students with awareness of, and self-responsibility for, the Body-Mind-Spirit connection, in order for them to help themselves and guide others to achieve optimal health, wellbeing, happiness, and balance. 

CSNN is happy to provide flexible study formats to accommodate students. These study formats apply to the Natural Nutrition Diploma Program, as well as all introductory, culinary, and advanced certificates and workshops. For more information on all CSNN offerings, please click here.

Sweet potatoes are readily available and versatile in sweet and savoury dishes. Try this unique recipe that is full of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This is a fantastic dessert but try it as a healthy breakfast too! Recipe from Lisa Cheverie, C.H.N.C. 

Blend of crunchy fresh greens, roasted squash, and a touch of sweetness in the maple lemon tahini dressing. The roasted veggies add warmth and promotes diversity in your salad. It’s also nutrient-dense with fiber, complex carbs, and protein. Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, and packed lunches. Recipe from Cindy Spratt, R.H.N.

Rich and creamy holiday beverage made with fresh almond milk. This is simple to make and perfect for all your holiday entertaining. Recipe from Laura Brining, R.H.N.

Stressed out about gifts this year? Here are some healthy gift ideas that steer away from over consumption and commercialism. This is also an eco-friendly gift guide that can help your friends and family with their healthy habits. Michelle Gaetz, R.H.N. shares 5 ideas for DIY edible gifts that are thoughtful, budget-friendly, and inspire greater well-being and happiness.

As we gather with friends and eat and bake (maybe a little more than usual), we shouldn’t forget about our brain health. These holiday spices are not only delicious, but they can be a natural way to help strengthen your brain (help sharpen your memory, balance blood sugar levels, reduce stress, etc.).  Spice it up this holiday! Article from Kelly Aiello, R.H.N.

There is room to indulge this holiday season, but do it with balance in mind. There are sweet and sugary things all around, from places you may not think about, so here are some alternatives you can try. Article from Ciara Morin, R.H.N. 

A unique take on baked potatoes. Get inspired by this fun new twist on a classic side dish. This is a super healthy and balanced vegetarian meal with protein, carbs, fibre, and healthy fats. Yum! Recipe from Stephanie Kay, R.H.N.

Are you confused by this interesting root? Ginger is warm, spicy, and full of nutritional benefits. Ashleigh Grange, R.H.N. shares a little ingredient 101 on fresh ginger and how you can incorporate it into sweet and savoury dishes. She also includes some great recipes to try!

This is a beautiful way to incorporate roasted veggies into your meals. This salad has tons of flavour, nutrients, and it’s so colourful! We love this for a side dish this holiday season. Recipe from Nicole Kaumanns, R.H.N.

Dairy-free no-bake dessert perfect for the holiday season. Healthy fats to keep you full and help you absorb a bunch of vitamins and minerals. Recipe from Rejan Magee, C.H.N.C.

Crispy and golden on top and tender in the middle, this is a warming delicious stuffing recipe that will be the perfect side dish to your holiday meal. Recipe from Stephanie Kay, R.H.N.

Bethany Bierema, R.H.N. shares this beautiful cake that also happens to be gluten and dairy-free. This tender cake is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup and is sure to be a hit with your family this holiday season.

CSNN Grad, Ricki Heller, shares her favourite sugar-free holiday confections to “prove that you CAN have a delicious–even decadent–holiday season, and stay healthy, too.”

You’ll never guess the secret ingredient in these festive cookies. Laura Brining, R.H.N., shares her yummy recipe that is perfect for the holidays.

There are different approaches to a gut-healthy holiday meal, but for those interested in a paleo diet version of a Christmas dinner, CSNN Grad, Tracey Reed, shares her simple tips.