Travel hits an all-time high during the winter months.  Thanksgiving and Christmas bear the title of worst travel days thanks to busy roadways, airports, bad weather and delays.  Plus, when we arrive at our destination, our usual go-to healthy foods might be in short supply.  So, it's super important to plan ahead and bring your own snacks when you can.  Here's a selection of my favorites:

1. Simple Protein Bars: These gluten-free, vegan, low glycemic bars are my jam!  They have 16 grams of protein and many of the flavors only have one gram of sugar.  I opt for the soy protein variety, but if you aren't vegan or don't have a dairy sensitivity, the whey options are great too.  

2. Vermont Jerky:  If you're a meat eater and are looking for a solid on-the-go protein boost, these individually wrapped jerky are a great option.  They come in a variety of flavors such as chipotle and honey mustard and also boast a variety of protein sources.

3. Nuun Hydration Tabs:  Airline travel can be super dehydrating. Plus, if you've planned an active vacation, you're going to want to make sure your electrolytes stay balanced and these gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free tabs are a great way to do that.  With flavors like citrus, lime and berry plus options for the extra active among us, there really is something for everyone.  

4.  Go Hunza Himalayan Trail Mix: This is not your average trail mix.  Loaded with goodies like goji berries, cacao, dried bilberries, apricot kernels and more—this mix is an antioxidant powerhouse that balances out healthy carbohydrates with proteins thanks to the nut content.  This one is so delish even the kids will love it.  

5. Protein Bites: One of the most challenging meals for me when I travel is breakfast.  There aren't juice bars or smoothies galore in every city (yet!) so I often bring along protein bites because they make for a great snack and can double as a good breakfast too.  They're protein-rich and easy on the old taste buds. 

For many of us, life without it feels almost impossible.  It's the first thing we reach for every morning and it's very aroma gives us life.  But it can actually be a major hazard to our health.  We're talking about coffee.  Did you know it can be chock full of toxic molds that are reportedly linked to illnesses such as cardiomyopathy, cancer, hypertension and even brain damage when consumed in high doses?!  Sounds extreme, but its the truth.

There is a very little control and insight into coffee bean processing and bean sourcing which can lead to contamination with mycotoxins.  Mycotoxins are hazardous compounds produced by the molds that grow on our beloved beans.  And it's said compounds that can be making you feel sick, foggy brained, flu-like etc.  The opposite of why you're drinking it, right?  And we're not making this up!  One study found that 91.7% of green coffee beans were moldy while another study showed 52% of green coffee beans were.  

So what can we do about it?

 

1. Switch to warm water and lemon:  It's a natural flu fighter and liver detoxifier!
2. Avoid cheap blends:  Blends usually use the cheapest beans from multiple areas which are subject to less screaming.  
3. Say "no way" to decaf: Decaf is also on the bottom of the totem pole in terms of quality so again, the screening.  Caffeine also acts as a natural anti-insect and antifungal defense mechanism for the plant so no caffeine means more mold and fungus.  No thanks.  

4. Look for coffee that is labeled "mycotoxin free":  Certain brands take this issue seriously, and go through an extensive screening process to make sure their beans are as high quality and contaminant free as possible.  They generally use Arabica Beans (which are the least likely to grow mold).  Bulletproof Certified Clean Coffee is a great option, but I recently stumbled across (and am now pretty fond of) Isagenix Micotoxin Free Coffee.  Admittedly, I'm not a big drinker of this particular beverage, but this was smooth, nutty and some of the best coffee I've ever tasted.  Not to mention it's also has green tea extract and it organic.  So this is the stuff that's definitely going into my weekly latte!

Let's be real here for a second.  Thanksgiving isn't a holiday synonymous with good food choices.  It's usually carb heavy and full of sugar and it can be really tough to say "no" to those insanely delicious pies.  So this year, come prepared by bringing your own healthy dessert.  I've got just the ticket with the baked pears.  

All you'll need is:

4 pears, cut in half with the center scooped out

1 cup of Anita's Coconut yogurt

1 cup of granola 

A dash of cinnamon 

A drizzle of honey

Coconut oil 

Directions:

Grease a baking tray with coconut oil.  Cut the pears in half and scoop out the center.  Drizzle with cinnamon and honey and bake on 350 for 35-50 minutes—or until they're easily pierced with a fork.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Once cooled, add a dollop of coconut yogurt to the center, top with granola and a drizzle more of the honey.  Serve and enjoy!

Hot Chocolate:  Adding a little dark chocolate to your life is a great antioxidant booster and healthier way to satiate that sweet tooth of yours!  Just make sure it's 70%+ of cacao and if you can find version free of refined sugar—even better.  They contain flavonoids, a type of antioxidant though to reduce free-radical damage. Plus, who doesn't love to curl up with a cup of cocoa after a cold day outside?!

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are awesome foods for the cooler winter months.  Sweet potatoes are particularly high in vitamin A (which is great for the skin and in the winter months we'll take all the help we can get!) plus they're loaded with fiber so they'll keep up fuller, longer.  

Brussels Sprouts:  These cute little mini cabbages might help you fend off colds and viruses this winter.  They are packed with vitamin C, which wont help prevent a cold, but can certainly lessen it's duration.  We'll take it!

Pumpkins: Pumpkins are another great food loaded with vitamin A, which is also great for your vision.  They're also loaded with antioxidants thanks to the beta-carotene which also has reported anti-cancer proprieties.  

Ginger: This warming root is spicy but can add some much needed zing to your life.  It has thermogenic properties which can keep you warm but which can also help boost your metabolism.  Boil ginger in water so make a great healthy tea, or add it to your morning lemon water.

As we round the corner into the most gluttonous time of year, many of us are preparing our waistlines by cleansing and taking a healthy approach to holiday cheats.  Being a little less "naughty" if you will.

If you happen to be keeping healthy company and dining at a healthier household, here are a few gift ideas for the consummate wellness warrior this Thanksgiving:

The worlds coolest water bottle: We all struggle to chug enough H20—especially when we're running around shopping and getting ready for the holidays.  Enter: the smartest water bottle ever.  It syncs with your smartphone and other fitness trackers and lights up to remind you to drink water.  Yes, please!

A wonder balm: Pre-empt the drier winter months with fabulous smelling balm that does it all.  The ultimate multi-tasker, Skin Savior removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin, moisturizes, illuminates and even turns mineral powder into a glowing foundation treatment.  Plus, it's full of anti-oxidants making is the perfect travel companion.  

An Edible Arrangement: What's better than a centerpiece that's healthy and edible?  With arrangements starting at $39 (and they're running 20% off right now) dessert can get a whole lot healthier!

A healthy candle: Nothing helps us reset from turkey day madness like good old fashioned aromatherapy.  However, lots of fabulous smelling candles are actually quite toxic.  Why not gift one of these awesome and non-toxic way our wax candles? They're made from beeswax and they have an array of fabulously relaxing scents.  

 

 

Yogi Cookie Cutters: Yup, you read that correctly!  This is the perfect gift for your guy/gal who loves to bake and they come in packs of 3 all the way up to 18 of your favorite yoga poses.  Score!