Hi Friend,
I hope this message finds you well! I'm back from a quick trip to CA, where I got to celebrate my grandmother's 90th and visit with my other grandmother, who is also in her 90s. The family time nourished my soul and being with those two incredible ladies (who both live independently) is always inspiring.
This week, I wanted to share some tips that might be helpful for the upcoming holidays. I've also included highlights from my latest blog post, which I created to answer common questions I've received about nonstick cookware. Hope these are helpful!
Your sugar game-plan during the holidays (and beyond). Are you an Abstainer or a Moderator?
Chances are, if you're human, you're easily addicted to sugar. It's how we're wired and it's one of the first things clients usually mention when we start working together. Having struggled with this myself, I'm passionate about helping others cut sweets and free themselves from the grip of those cravings (if you know, you know) and associated health issues. In excess, sugar and simple carbs negatively impact the immune system, mood, heart, gut, weight and lead to insulin resistance and metabolic issues. They're everywhere and they're a problem for many, many people.
If you struggle with sugar cravings, one of the first things to consider: are you an Abstainer or a Moderator? I've learned that I'm mostly an Abstainer. I feel more in control if I say no to sweets because I know that having a little doesn't work for me. Moderation is actually harder than skipping it all together. A half a cookie leads to three cookies (or wanting three!), which starts a vicious cycle of cravings. I prefer not to go down that rabbit hole. Completely skipping sweets this Halloween and at a recent Christmas party felt liberating!
I do have (and thoroughly enjoy) a great dessert on truly special occasions, but I don't make this exception often. Then it's back to normal the next day. I will not let you send me home with the rest of the cake!! Interestingly, I can have less than a serving (a square or two) of high quality 90% dark chocolate here and there with no issue. Lots of antioxidants, satisfying, low sugar and therefore, not addictive for me.
Moderators, on the other hand, hate being told not to have something and they can actually have just a little and feel satisfied. However, they're just as susceptible as the rest of us to strong sugar cravings and the negative health effects, so they also benefit from going into situations with a game-plan. If this is you, decide how many things you will sample and keep moderation in mind. Don't blow the sugar bank on anything you don't truly love. Tasting a little bit of everything at every holiday gathering can really add up, spike your blood sugar and trigger cravings that are really hard to kick when the holidays are over.
A couple reminders if you're watching your sugar:
Alcoholic drinks are often full of sugar and simple carbohydrates (conventional wine, beer and most cocktails). It's a tricky combo since that sugar content can add to cravings while the alcohol reduces your will power. Sugar-free natural wine is my go-to!
Artificial sweeteners often perpetuate cravings for sugar and sweets.
Sugar and carbohydrate cravings usually go hand in hand. That's because simple carbs (breads, pasta, pretzels, crackers, bagels, etc.) turn into sugar in the body and don't keep you satiated. So be mindful about refined grains and make sure you're focusing on eating plenty of healthy fats, protein and fiber.
What you need to know about nonstick cookware
This month I decided to tackle a question that's come up many times over the years: what cookware I recommend and what I think about nonstick pots and pans. There's quite a bit to say on this topic, so I ended up putting together a blog post to cover the key points, including:
The two main nonstick categories - ceramic versus traditional nonstick, which is commonly a black coating made of PFAS, aka Teflon or PTFE; the original formula, PFOA, has been banned in the US and 180+ countries around the world.
Why I recommend avoiding traditional nonstick cookware due to substantial health and environmental concerns and what to look for when you shop. As you can imagine, the "PFOA-Free" claim doesn't impress me!
Other products that often contain these materials such as air fryers, slow cookers, bakeware and many other household items.
The limited lifespan of all nonstick cookware - spoiler alert: it's about 5 years depending on use and care.
Important care tips for nonstick cookware that most people don't know. Spoiler alert: NONE of them are suitable at high heat.
My go-to cookware. Since I use my favorite nonstick somewhat sparingly (mostly just for eggs and pancakes), the next question is always: so what do you use the rest of the time?!
I've also shared the care tips on Instagram in case you'd like to save the post for future reference.
Other recent posts you may have missed:
Thank you for reading! Wishing you a wonderful week and Happy Holidays.
Stay well! XO
Jessica
