After an early breakfast with Santa and the elves, I make sure everyone in the workshop is briefed and on task then it’s off to the mail room (which is now a desk and computer!) going through emails and present requests.
Can anyone tell me what all this ‘looming’ business is? Weaving with rubber bands? I’m a real grazer throughout the day - just like the reindeer. Last year Prancer, who’s always up with the latest fad, tried to get me onto quinoa. I know it’s a super food, but there’s nothing ‘super’ about it! However, those kale chips aren’t so shabby – such an easy snack to make.
Throw on some sesame seeds and salt and pepper. Delish. I usually head back to the kitchen at some point through the day to get dinner on (Santa loves his roasts), Then I’m back to the office until Santa texts to say that he’s carving up the roast.
5.30am
Turmeric shot (for my old joints) and a mug of hot water.
6.30am
Fruit salad and wholemeal toast with marmalade.
10.30am
2 Gingernuts and a tea. Santa brought Gingernuts back from last year’s stint at the Bach in Auckland. I’m obsessed.
11am
Cold turkey and a dollop of cranberry. I was starvin marvin!
12.30pm
Totally swamped with the naughty and nice list. So it’s a coffee and a mince pie to keep me going. (Put me on the top of the naughty list!)
2pm
Muesli bar and some nuts.
6pm
Roast chicken, parsnips, peas, carrots and gravy.
10pm
Ginger tea. Santa serves up a large meal and I find this helps with indigestion.
Mikki Williden’s nutrition quick fix
Fruit, jam, gingernuts, meusli bar - the amount of sugar or quickly digested carbohydrate food, which amounts to the same thing in the body, will wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels and mood. It's really difficult to remain calm and happy in your work if you've got little to no protein or good fat to help maintain blood sugar levels. It would be hard to objectively evaluate the naughty and nice list when you are climbing the walls in hunger!
That said, the turkey was a great option, being an animal protein it contains an amino-acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is involved in serotonin production – a neurotransmitter which helps promote wellbeing. Swaping out the jam for avocado and tomato on your toast, or including Greek yoghurt with a sprinkling of almonds, walnuts or brazil nuts with your fruit, would ensure you are happy in your work.
Apple cider vinegar in a little water before a meal will help stimulate stomach acid to do its job properly. Ask Santa to serve twothirds of the amount he usually does and you can go back for seconds if needed.
Mrs Claus will be residing at the ASB Santa’s Bach, at Wynyard Christmas Quarter until Christmas Eve. Entry is free but a donation of a gold coin or Christmas present for the Auckland City Mission is appreciated.
