Have you seen the viral video where the mom is lining her window sill with cold and flu medication and the caption reads something like, “Just decorating for the holidays?” At first, I chuckled and thought it was funny, but the more I thought about it, the more I wondered, is it sick season, or sugar season?

We have been told for so long that this is just the season for sickness and there isn’t anything we can do to avoid it. But I have to disagree.

It’s honestly just the season for nonstop sugar and I have to believe that is playing a huge role in why we battle sickness from October to March.

Think about it with me for a moment.

It starts with Halloween. A holiday solely dedicated to candy. And what parent wants to deny their child the joy of running around the neighborhood being handed treat after treat? We think it’s fun and harmless to let them indulge in so much sugar for a few days, but it truly is setting them up for sickness.

And then we head right into Thanksgiving where pies and carbs (which is just code for sugar) continue to abound. And if you’re kids are anything like mine, their Thanksgiving meal consists of rolls, rolls, and more rolls.

Next up is Christmas. A literal cookie holiday. And we excuse all of our sugar consumption because, “It’s Christmas, enjoy!”

And let’s not forget about the week between Christmas and New Year’s where breakfast, lunch, and dinner consist of leftover cookies.

Don’t get me wrong. I am right there with you. I love any reason to enjoy a sweet treat, but as I started to see all the sugar become the reason we were so unwell, I tried to be much better at limiting our intake.

It’s the holiday season and no one has time for sick kiddos. And NO mom in the history of ever can afford to be sick herself this time of year!

So how can we enjoy the festivities without falling ill week after week?

I have a few tips that could help!

 

IS IT SICK SEASON, OR SUGAR SEASON?

How to kick the crud and enjoy the holidays: 

 

1. Prioritize rest

I know we feel like we have to stay up late this time of year just to get everything done. But we have to prioritize rest or we won’t be well enough to do all of the things. Set a sleep and wake schedule for everyone in your family and do your best to stick to it. A great rule of thumb is to ensure everyone is getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night (younger kids will need even more). And helping you stay well isn’t the only benefit. Imagine all of the energy you will have being so well rested!

 

 

2. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrating is truly the key to staying well. Grab a reusable water bottle for everyone in your family and keep it full all day long. Everyone in your home should be drinking half their body weight in ounces of water each day. But if that feels too hard to keep track of, simply shoot for 80-100 ounces of daily water intake. I am certain this is the key to helping you and your family stay well. And not just for this season, but for years to come!

 

3. Daily doses of Vitamin C and D

It’s easy to get our vitamin intake in the warmer months when we’re more active and spending time in the sun. But when winter hits and our access to sunlight dramatically decreases, we need to supplement that. Grab a quality Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplement (these are the best! – link to YL Wishlist) and make sure everyone in your family takes them daily!

 

4. Drink 2oz. of NingXia Red

Packed with powerful antioxidants and superfoods, NingXia Red features wolfberry, plum, aronia, cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate juices and extracts to start your day off right. Clinical studies revealed that NingXia Red significantly increases physical energy levels, improves sleep patterns, increases time asleep, and reduces daily stress to improve mental well-being. It also contains a blend of premium essential oils, including Orange, Yuzu, Lemon, and Tangerine. These ingredients combine to help prevent oxidative stress, support normal cellular function, and promote healthy energy levels.

Everyone in my family drinks 2oz. every single day and I would never go back to the days before we had this antioxidant superfood in our arsenal!

Grab yours here: YL link

 

5. Daily dose of Immupro

This herbal supplement is specially formulated to support the immune system when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Bonus points: it includes melatonin, which encourages healthy sleep cycles. This power-packed formula provides zinc and selenium to support proper immune function along with melatonin to promote the body’s natural sleep rhythm and encourage restful sleep. It also combines naturally derived immune-supporting Ningxia wolfberry polysaccharides with a unique blend of reishi, maitake, and agaricus blazei mushroom powders.

Again, a power-packed supplement that everyone in my family enjoys!

Grab yours here: YL LINK

 

6. Limit processed sugars

And the biggest thing of all is simply to limit the amount of sugar you consume. I know that sounds easier said than done. But once you realize all the sugar is the true culprit for the sickness in your family, you’ll be running from it left and right! That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy any of the treats that come with the holiday season, but be mindful of what you’re consuming and try to limit it the best you can! Because the more sugar you consume, the more sugar your body craves. But if you’re feeding your body very little sugar, you won’t desire it as much!

 

 

I know this feels like a lot. But I also know you want to feel your best this holiday season and years of experience have taught me that this is the way to do it!

Take it slow. Implement one new healthy routine each week and find your family’s health drastically improve!

Is it sick season, or sugar season? One may never know. But what I do know is that adapting healthy routines and limiting your sugar will always be worth it in the long run!