The Holiday season is here again and right along with it are all the tasty goodies and home-cooked meals that are such a part of our lives during this time. To the dismay of many of us however, these delectable indulgences tend to leave behind some undesirable extra pounds on our bodies. Is it possible to enjoy hearty meals and sweet treats without the extra pounds? We at Down to Earth say, “yes!” Read on for some ideas to help you maintain a healthy weight during the holidays...
- This holiday season, go meatless! You will greatly reduce your calorie, fat and cholesterol intake if you have a meatless, plant-based holiday feast. Our website has great vegetarian holiday entrees, salads, and side dishes to choose from. If you are unable to eliminate meat altogether, try to fill up more on the veggie side dishes such as yams, green beans, and cranberry sauce, and less on the main dish, which is usually very high in fat.
- Make healthier desserts, such as cookies without refined sugar (see recipe at the end of this article). Experiment with agave nectar, brown rice syrup, maple syrup or honey as sweeteners and take them with you when you gather with your family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This way you are giving yourself and your loved ones healthier dessert choices. In addition, you should try to consume less of the other desserts which are rich in cream and refined sugar.
- Choose whole grains when making or eating holiday dishes. Use whole wheat flour or exotic brown and wild rice blends when making stuffing and dressings. Use whole grains when making desserts and bread rolls. Whole grains maintain the fiber, vitamins and minerals that refined grains lack.
- Instead of high calorie beverages such as eggnog, hot cocoa, soda and alcohol, explore the vast variety of herbal teas available at DTE. Lightly sweeten them with a tiny bit of maple syrup or honey. Offer to bring the drinks at the next party and reduce your calorie intake by the hundreds. There are numerous teas, including holiday-spiced varieties, which are perfect for such occasions. Teas can be served hot or cold with ice.
- This is a great time to bond with your family and friends and enjoy some quality time together. What better way to do this than enjoying some sort of physical activity. Especially here in Hawaii, we have the luxury of enjoying many outdoor activities. Get the family together for a fun game of beach volleyball or tag football. Enjoy a game of tennis at a community tennis court. Go for a hike together, enjoying some of the world’s most beautiful trails and work off any excess calories at the same time. Make sure you have a water bottle with you to stay hydrated!
It is certainly possible to maintain your health and weight over the holiday season. The key is to fill up on veggie dishes, avoid refined foods and control your portions – don’t overdo it even on healthier treats. And remember, choosing these healthy, organic and natural foods won’t cost more than conventional foods and is often less expensive.