80 VegNews HOLIDAYS 2019
Congratulations on transitioning to a plant-based diet! On
its own, eating plants should help you manage much of the
physical impact of the holiday stress. But, of course, dealing
with family may add a whole new element. Everyone eats,
so everyone has an opinion on how you should eat. Cut out
all that stress by avoiding conversations about your diet.
When it does come up (and it likely will), say you’re trying something different,
are feeling good so far, and then change the subject to hopefully eliminate
awkwardness and pressure. Planning meals ahead of time will help keep you
on the straight and narrow, too, and check menus ahead of time when dining
out. Before attending parties, ask your host what you can bring so you have a
guaranteed option at the table. Remember that it doesn’t matter what anyone else
thinks about you eating plants. This way of eating has been shown time
and time again to be the healthiest, and when done conscientiously
(with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes,
nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices—and supplementing
appropriately), you’re already way ahead of the game.Don’t Stress It
All the hustle and bustle this time of year usually
leaves me depleted, stressed, and succumbing
to poor eating habits. It’s my first holiday season
eating plant-based, and I’m nervous about sticking
with my diet around my family. What can I do to
better manage my stress and stay on track?CHILL OUT
My favorite time of the year
is when it is chilly outside—
perhaps from spending
my entire life without
seasons in Los Angeles.
Cool weather can actually
be good for you, too. Mild
cold stress (which drives down the
skin temperature, and eventually
the internal body temperature)
offers metabolic and general health
advantages, so I keep my home on
the cooler side, get outdoors more
when it’s cold, bundle up less, and
utilize contrast showers (hot-cold-
hot-cold shifts, ending on cold).EAT BETTER,
FEEL BETTER
In a study of 792 participants
published in Nutritional
Neuroscience, people eating
a plant-based diet without
consuming animal foods
“known to be essential
for mental health”
reported less stress
and anxiety than
similar individuals
eating an animal-
based diet.The song goes that this is the most
wonderful time of the year. But it’s also
one of the most stressful. With new
science identifying just how dangerous
stress is to health, it’s important to go
into this busy season with a strategy for
protecting your well-being. So take it
easy, and let’s get back to the wonderful.A.
Q.
VegNews Nutritionist
JULIEANNA HEVER, RD,
is on call for your health questions.veg HEALTH