Bread, pasta and potatoes, Oh My!  When the weather gets cold, I tend to go out of my way to incorporate these little nuggets of comfort into my daily eating habits, and my waistline tends to pay the price.

I was beginning to wonder if my body was trying to prepare for some type of up-coming hibernation that I was unaware of but while at the salon the other day I was reading an article and learned that I’m not alone, and I’m not to blame! It’s the weather. It’s the shorter days and the lack of sunlight responsible for this need for all things comfort.

The article explained that when the temperatures drop our body wants to warm up, and that shivering triggers a self preservation mode that tells our body to warm up…. fast. (Mine happens to throw in suggestions of warming up with Mac and Cheese and Loaded Potato soup, just me?) What you are craving is heat and any food can provide that for you, you just have to resist the urge to splurge and replace that hot apple pie with some fruits or vegetables.

Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder this time of year and that plays a huge part in these “Constant Cravings.” While the specific cause of SAD is still unknown, many Doctors believe that there are several factors in play, lack of sunlight being one of them.

Serotonin is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) when at normal levels creates a sense of well being and contentment. It is also called a “feel good hormone.” But the lack of serotonin can alter your mood, cause you to be cranky, depressed, overwhelmed and yes, even hungry.

This lack of serotonin can be caused by stress, and poor diet. Our eating habits can cause a lack of serotonin that in turn causes us to crave those not so good for you foods, a seemingly endless cycle.

So how do we help ourselves? How do we ease the winter cravings and boost our serotonin levels without Zoloft and Prozac?

Get outside more. We’re fortunate that Alabama weather is all over the map and we actually get some good mild weather days here or there… But it may be difficult during the longer stretches of cold weather and of course the shorter days, but just a few minutes can make a world of difference.

While you’re outside, do a little exercise. A lack of activity can have a direct influence on how much we eat.

Eat high protein, high fiber snacks. They will speed up your metabolism and stick with you longer, cutting down on those cravings for sweets and starchy foods.

Catch some zzzzz’s… Some good ones. Quality over quantity is key. Cutting caffeine will help as well as getting yourself into a routine and a regular bedtime.

Release your “cuddle hormone.”  Oxytocin is released when we feel love, trust and comfort. Because you are reading an article on a Mommy Site I’m assuming that you have some tiny humans in your life that will be more than happy to snuggle up with you.

What are your tips or tricks for fighting off the comfort cravings and winter blues?

It’s that time of year when the flu virus spreads. Every year from October to May, millions of people across the United States come down with the flu. So how can you protect your family, and what should you do if your child gets sick?

Delphene Noland is the manager of Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s of Alabama. She recommends now is a good time to get the flu shot. “It can start as early as September through April. It’s good for the entire season. We know the flu is most prevalent through the fall and winter,” Noland said. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. The flu can often have some of the same symptoms as the common cold but more severe.

Identifying the Flu
Flu feels worse than a cold
Higher fever
Body aches
May have diarrhea or vomiting

Treating the Flu
Get plenty of sleep and stay home
Drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve fever and aches

Noland says it is extremely important to stay hydrated during the flu. “Most flu deaths are related to complications of the flu, not necessarily the flu itself. For instance, things like dehydration and pneumonia,” she said. “If they’re not eating and drinking, if babies are not having wet diapers, those are hallmarks that you may need to seek medical attention.”

The flu is easily spread, but there are ways to prevent it. “Hand washing is the number one thing you can do to prevent any viruses including the flu,” Noland said. She encourages parents to teach their children to wash their hands often, including throughout the day when they are at school. “There’s no such thing as too much hand washing,” she said.

Because the flu is so contagious, it’s important to keep your child home when they are sick until they are fever free for at least 24 hours. The flu usually lasts about a week.

It’s important to get the vaccine every year to have the best protection against the flu.

After telling friends I was taking my five-year-old daughter to see Alabama Ballet’s The Nutcracker this season, I got some strange looks. “Isn’t she going to be bored?” “Will she be quiet/still enough?” I was a little nervous to find out, TBH. She was used to children’s theatre productions where there is narration and dialogue, and lots of audience participation. With ballet: not so much. Adding to the chaos, my 8-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter came, too. I went into the night knowing that it could turn out to be a complete and total disaster.

If you’re not familiar with the story of The Nutcracker, here’s a quick summary. Young Marie (called Clara in some versions) is given a nutcracker doll for Christmas. He comes alive and defeats the evil Mouse King (soooo creepy!!) in a tame, non-scary battle. Afterwards, the two go together to a magical kingdom populated by dolls, sweets, and flowers.

The beginning party scene sets the stage for the story. There are tons of children running around so kids in the audience feel like part of the action right away. Marie and her Nutcracker-come-to-life are fun to watch as they work together to defeat the Mouse King, breaking an ancient curse and turning the Nutcracker into a prince. Next comes the Snowflake scene, which has always a favorite of mine as dancers move swiftly and silently in a dark forest. It’s a magical moment when snowflakes suddenly start to fall, first on the dancers and, then, to the delight of literally every person, on the audience. Beautiful child angels seem to float across the stage holding candles. Gigantic Mother Ginger comes onstage waving to the crowd while tiny Polichenelle (adorable and not scary) clowns run out from her skirt, providing the perfect amount of silliness amidst the technically and visually stunning ballet. The dancing sweets are high-energy with spirited jumps and quick feet. The final send-off is particularly fun for kids and a perfect ending for the beautiful and engaging story the dancers have told.

I’m relieved to say my kids were spellbound from the opening strains of music until curtain call (with a break for antsiness at intermission). The Nutcracker is so beautifully presented by Alabama Ballet, words and explanations aren’t needed. Tchaikovsky’s score will be familiar enough after being used in commercials (like this insane one), cartoons, and movies that even young kids will recognize and enjoy it. The costumes in this production are just stunning with intricate details and bright colors. My kids loved the costumes that looked like candy because: candy. My youngest is, of course, captivated by sparkly tiaras and fluffy tutus so she loved Dewdrop and Sugarplum Fairies, and the beautiful pink ombre Flowers.
Here’s what my kiddos said about their favorite parts:

11-year-old: “When it snowed in the theatre was the best! I also liked the Mouse King – he was fun!” P.S. I don’t think you’re supposed to like the Mouse King but 11-year-olds are weird so…

8-year-old: “I liked the candy canes and their hula-hoops.”

5-year-old: “When the sleigh came and they were in it and the Sugar Plum Fairy when she was dancing with the prince.”

If you’ve never been to an Alabama Ballet performance, you should know that we are extremely fortunate to have such incredible talent here. Alabama Ballet is one of only EIGHT companies IN THE WORLD official licensed to perform The Nutcracker with George Balanchine’s classic choreography and there’s a reason they were given that honor. So, not only is the production gorgeous, it’s also very rare and special.

Other people have to travel hours to see this choreography; you have only to get yourself to Samford University’s Wright Center in Homewood. If you’ve seen The Nutcracker ballet before but have never seen Alabama Ballet’s version, you should really consider remedying that between now and December 23rd. Oh, and take your five-year-old!

Remaining Show Schedule:
SATURDAY DECEMBER 15
2:30 PM
SATURDAY DECEMBER 15
7:30 PM
SUNDAY DECEMBER 16
2:30 PM
FRIDAY DECEMBER 21
7:30 PM
SATURDAY DECEMBER 22
2:30 PM
SATURDAY DECEMBER 22
7:30 PM
SUNDAY DECEMBER 23
2:30 PM