I don't know about you, but personally I have a hard time walking past a mouth-watering tray of holiday cookies this time of year. I find it even more difficult to not turn around when it's one of those perfect, melt-in-your mouth chocolate chip cookies - my own weakness.

For others, our usually enviable close proximity to the beach and all the deliciously edible creatures that dwell in the waters, can unfortnunately bring physical complications. Shellfish, like those coveted oysters, or clams, mussles, crabs, and shrimp - can cause bloating due to high sodium levels, and even in extreme cases - gout. Aside from crustaceans, the extra amount of holiday foods like buttered potatoes and vegetables soaked in sugars, high sodium ham, many more high fat foods, and multiple courses, for multiple days - it's a wonder our digestive systems don't need a rehab of sorts in January to recoup - or maybe they do.

There's even a condition referred to some emergency rooms as "holiday heart."  Often due to the combination of many drinks and types of alcohol, patients visit the ER due to this condition after being at weddings or attending holiday celebrations. Though not completey explained by modern medicine, doctors recognize that in certain people, the body is incapable of metabolizing certain amounts of alcohol, in combination with the often rich foods served at these occassions. This hearty mixture accounts for heart palpitations and near-heart attack-like symptoms in some patients. But thankfully, they pass. 

Over indulgence seems to be the theme for December. This is the month of the most calories consumed and usually the least amount of time spent exercising. To combat, try these foods to give you a boost.

 Foods and spices to add on your grocercy list. Eat often:

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Grapefruit
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Beans
• Hot peppers
• Vegetable soup
• Oatmeal
• Low fat yogurt
• Almonds
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne
• Curry
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ginger
• Drink plenty of water or green tea (to help to give your metabolism a boost)

If you would like to try an organic supplement to assist your body naturally try Metabozon. For more information go to christy.amazonherb.net.