Yoga Holiday Cheer

From wrapping paper and gift boxes to unwanted, non-recyclable gifts, the holiday season can be a big uh-oh instead of a ho-ho when it comes to the season's impact on the environment. But there's no need to be a Scrooge in order to be an Earth-loving yogi. Many of us seek out creative ways to save resources while we celebrate the holidays in yoga-inspired, healthier ways. With just a subtle shift in consciousness, you can celebrate a green holiday and give the earth a welcome present too.

This holiday season, contemplate giving eco-friendly, food-inspired gifts such as locally produced food baskets, a plot at the community garden, or weekly shipments from a local community-supported agriculture (CSA) group. Give green foods that were raised, farmed and made in earth-friendly ways. You can create homemade food baskets out of products from your local farm stand or stores that sell organic, seasonal foods. (To find local farmers' markets and CSAs, check out the online resource, localharvest.org).

Holiday Goodies

For example, pack juicy, organic apples or pears with local artisan cheeses in a beautiful recycled container. Consider wrapping a decorative container of pure maple syrup or honey along with an organic pancake mix in a festive recycled box.

If you enjoy stirring up holiday cheer in your kitchen, your loved ones will certainly appreciate a homemade food gift. I enjoy making delicious, healthful treats that friends and family can savor throughout the season. You can make multiple batches of goodies to give and keep some for your family too!

Healthy Holidays

My holiday cakes and cookies are made healthier by using whole wheat pastry flour, natural sweeteners like honey, and nutrient-packed ingredients such as 70 percent dark chocolate, nuts and organic dried fruits. To satisfy holiday cravings for rich tastes, I replace butter and saturated fats with healthy fats such as expeller-pressed canola oil or olive oil.

If you're giving sweet treats as a gift, festively wrap the food gift in recycled-content holiday paper and tie with a raffia ribbon. The receiver of your goodies will be thrilled that you took the time and made the effort to give a food gift that is delicious, nutritious and earth-friendly.

Sources
Gavalas, Elaine. Yogi in the Kitchen. Penguin Putnam Avery. elainegavalas.com .