Fit for the Holidays
By: Laticia Jackson on (0 comments)
Momma’s apple-pie, auntie’s macaroni cheese casserole and how can we forget about grandma’s German Chocolate cake. Just the thought of these foods may bring a smile to your face.
The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather around the table to reminisce about good old times and enjoy palate tasting foods. These moments are priceless, but can contribute to consuming hundreds of extra calories in one sitting. Foods high in sugar, fat and saturated fat smell great to our senses, but are unhealthy for our bodies. I can hear you say, “But, these foods taste so good.”
I agree with you, I don’t want you to get rid of these foods, instead let’s learn how to make them healthier. Along with using healthier food options, adding a day of physical activity such as walking will help burn calories and keep you on the fitness wagon.
Looking for a way to cut back on the amount of calories you eat? Try drinking a glass of cold water before eating. This will give you a feeling of being full, and besides, the body will burn extra calories just to digest your water (thermal effect of food).
Let’s discover healthier ways to prepare your meals:
1. Use natural sugar substitutes: instead of using regular table sugar to prepare your meals, opt to use low calorie natural sugar substitutes like, Stevia, Truvia or Agave Nectar. These items can be found at your local grocer or health food store.
2. Use healthy monounsaturated oils to cook: sauté food with Grape Seed Oil, add extra Virgin Olive Oil instead of butter to mashed potatoes, greens and other vegetables. Use Canola Oil for cooking and baking when you don't need extra flavor. Bake, cook and make salads with Macadamia Nut Oil. It has a light nutty taste and contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
3. Use sea salt, non-salted powders and herbs to season foods: instead of using regular table salt, use sea salt and herbs such as Dill, Garlic, Chives, Basil, Mint, Vanilla. Herbs are low in calories and have various medicinal affects.
4. Replace regular milk with Soy or Almond Milk: soy and almond milk come from non-meat sources therefore are low in saturated fat and calories. They come in different brands and flavors.
5. Bake or grill: instead of frying your foods, bake, grill or oven fry with a little bit of olive oil. You can add whole grain crumbs to add a crispy outer texture.
The holidays are exciting and enjoyable moments to spend with family and friends. As we spend this time with our loved ones, remember your health is your truest form of wealth. Take a moment to consider possible ways to be healthier for you and your family. Your family deserves to have you around for many more holidays.
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