I absolutely love this time of year—and not only because my birthday is in December! I get into the holiday spirit by singing Xmas carols, helping my kids with holiday crafts, and, of course, decorating. This will be my first Christmas in my new role as an entrepreneur and co-founder of TULA, so it’s very special!
Kids make birthdays fun
There are so many decadent foods around the office and at holiday parties that I make sure I have nutritious foods on hand to prepare when I'm at home. Salmon, roasted vegetables, and quinoa are some of may faves for this season, always making sure that half my plate is comprised of colorful fruits and veggies. I also have a jar of nuts on my desk at work for a smart, mid-morning snack.
I always sneak a few bites of the kids’ gingerbread house. However, everything in moderation! During holidays, I obey the 80/20 diet rule: I try to eat well 80% of the time and take 20% of my daily calories to indulge in my favorite snack. Following this rule allows me to enjoy holiday sweets sparingly.
One of my favorite parts of the holiday is decorating and finding gifts for my loved ones. The women in my life—both family and friends—should be particularly happy this year, as they'll all receive my TULA skin-care goodies (which have already found a place under my Christmas tree).
Although I enjoy the family time, I also know that the craziness of the holidays can sometimes be a bit too much. That’s why I try to take extra time for myself to relax and stay balanced. I enjoy reading books that inspire me to recognize the importance of the mind-body connection even more. That’s why books by Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama are always on top of my reading agenda.
Wishing each of you a happy holiday and a wonderful new year!
—Dr. Raj