Happy Christmas 2023!

Christmas is fast approaching and once again we can look forward to spending time with our loved ones while celebrating a very special time of year. As always, I am reminded of the ‘tidings of great joy’ of Christmas and of the importance of small but significant changes we can make to experience this joy as well as have a happy and healthy Christmastide.

In this blog post I explore two approaches to a happy and healthy Christmas from two very different standpoints: technology and intuition. Technology can provide very helpful ‘biohacks’ for improved health and wellbeing, while intuition can provide vital personal insights on a completely different level.

Biohacks

First of all, what is a ‘biohack’? Biohacking involves small, incremental changes to your body, diet, or lifestyle with the aim of improving health and well-being. It is described as a form of human augmentation by some people.

Biohacking commonly makes use of biotechnology such as lab testing and blood analysis for greater precision and feedback. Live and dried blood analysis is one of the most popular consultations for many of my clients because it gives a fascinating perspective on what is happening inside our bodies in response to the changes we make to nutrition, environment, stress and wellbeing, and supplementation.

People can use the results of blood tests to nutrient levels and cell counts. In-depth blood work is also available to analyze vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and cellular function, so health can be addressed and modified before irreversible disease develops. You can find more information about this on my website here. 

Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is biohacking that focuses on how food interacts with your genes. Insights We from Nutrigenomics helps us understand why some people have big appetites and feel satiated, why others crave sugar and fats, and how the body utilises these foods (sugar and fat metabolism) and results in weight gain. The result is knowing the best choices people can make to support their metabolism.

Nootropics

One popular form of biohacking is the use of nootropics or ‘smart drugs’ that help increase brain performance. For example, everyone knows that caffeine can increase focus and productivity, but some people go a step further and add extras to their coffee to increase its impact and health benefits. Have you heard of bulletproof coffee – a drink that combining organic coffee with butter to help people feel more satiated and help prevent cardiovascular disease?

Or have you heard of mushroom coffee – a drink based on powdered mushrooms (with or without the coffee)? Many mushrooms have a range of health benefits. For example, Lion’s Mane is an ancient mushroom with neuroprotectant properties that help support memory, focus and concentration, while Chaga is full of antioxidants that can boost your immune system and lower your cholesterol.

Intuition

Intuitive eating

Intuitive eating is for many people a very new and freeing concept, especially for people who have had a negative relationship with food for many years. Christmas is a time to relax and find that intuitive connection with our bodies. I have learnt to listen to my body and I only eat what I know will make me feel good afterwards, not what simply tastes good in the mouth but gives me bloating or headaches later on. Intuitive eating allows us to reflect on how our bodies are feeling and reacting over time, not just in a single moment when we happen to crave lots of sweet mince pies.

In my Christmas blog for 2019 I included 12 tips for every one of the twelve days of Christmas – you can find lots of including listening to your body, setting realistic goals and getting enough sleep!

Spiritual aspects of Christmas

The most meaningful part of Christmas for me is the reminder of the real reason for the season. As a Christian, this gives me so much more to be thankful for and I value the deep peace and joy that the true story of Christmas inspires. We all need to feel more rested and calm in the midst of all the joyful chaos of Christmas! Gratitude and mindfulness help keep us in touch with ourselves and with our loved ones this Christmas

My blog last Christmas explored some of my favourite Christmas carols and the lines which have much spiritual meaning for me as I sing (as well as some very practical reminders of small but significant changes I can make for health and wellbeing.)

I have included on my website an update on all my research and professional development this past year, so if you think any of it resonates with you or you would like to talk to me about any of it please do let me know in your consultations.

I also have a book recommendation for any of you at a loss for some Christmas reading! Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg is a book I have really enjoyed reading this year. BJ Fogg is a behavioural scientist who has been studying how people create long-term, lasting habits. I think the book is fantastic if you are struggling to change your diet, your fitness plan or anything else in your life. I will be writing a blog on this in the New Year as well!

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in 2024!

With every blessing,

Emma

Emma Maitland-Carew – Registered Nutritional Therapist

Dip.ION, mBANT, CHNC Registered Practitioner, ILM Accredited Wellbeing Coach

Certified Live and Dried Blood Analysis, Metabolic Balance® Coach, HeartMath Coach, Accredited Wellbeing Coach