Triathlon season might
have ended, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your healthy eating
habits. Staying fit through the holidays is a challenge, but it is not
impossible. Here are a few tricks and tips to help you survive the season of
comfort food and sweets
Potatoes
If your holiday meals
contain various ways of cooking potatoes, i.e. mashed, scalloped, au gratin,
think about replacing your russets for sweet potatoes. The reason why you want
to switch from the traditional white potatoes to sweet potatoes is for the
differing nutritional content. While they are equal in some aspects, sweet
potatoes contain more potassium and fiber, which means your heart will be happy
and you will get fuller faster.
Grains Go a Long Way
Grains that are high
in nutritional value like quinoa and rice are perfect for meal prepping. During
your meal prep day make enough grains to last throughout the week. Add them to
the meals you prep, or if you are on the go and need something fast, cook some
beans and plate them on top of your chosen grain. All of a sudden you have a
tasty nutritional meal with hardly any time involved. They also serve as a
healthy side at a big holiday dinner.
Burger Cravings
If your craving a
burger, try a vegetarian or black bean patty. If these alternatives just won’t
fill the burger void switch the bun. Instead of eating your burger on a
traditional hamburger bun, try swapping the bun for an English muffin. This
will save you some calories and unlike making your burger into a wrap, it adds
fiber into the meal.
picture courtesy of eatthis.com
The Perfect Holiday
Snack
The holidays have
temptation lurking around every corner. After Halloween there is always plenty
of candy and during the Christmas season peppermint is everywhere. Stave off the
cravings by snacking on pumpkin seeds. Avoid the prepackaged roasted ones and
go for ones you’ve scooped out of the pumpkin or the packaged ones that have
the least additives. All they need is a little oil and salt, and then to be
baked in the oven. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack because they are loaded with
fiber and potassium, making them not only season friendly, but also extremely
nutritious.
Simple Switches
If you are preparing
festive meals, there are a few simple switches you can make that will cut
calories without ditching flavor. Swap the usual milk and butter for almond
milk. If you are making potatoes, you can even swap the milk for broth. Use
coconut oil to replace olive oil. Try corn bread instead of other dense carbs.
Lastly, instead of an overabundance of chocolate or other decadent dessert, try
a fruit based dessert.
Come to the Light Side
Turkey is a staple for
the holiday meal. Instead of depriving yourself from all holiday foods, take
the better part of the turkey. The lighter meat of the turkey is healthier for
you than the darker meat portion of the turkey. Don’t skip out on the holiday
bird if it’s the centerpiece for you, just be picky on which part of the turkey
is on your plate.
For the Pie Lovers
If you’re like me,
then pie is non-negotiable. If you’re health conscious this holiday season then
it is best to weigh your pie options. Both apple pie and pumpkin pie reign
supreme this time of year, but pumpkin pie contains fewer calories then apple
pie. Pecan pie is the worst when it comes to nutrition of the typical holiday
pies, so unless it can’t be helped, avoid it.
Portion Sizes
The holidays usually
include buffet style amounts of food at parties. If everything at the party
looks absolutely delicious then your only option is portion control. Take
little amounts of everything, as if you were sampling it, to avoid going
overboard.
Don’t deprive yourself
of holiday fun in the interest of training, but if you want a fitter holiday
meal don’t be afraid to try it out. The holidays are a time of celebration and
family, so don’t sweat it if you missed a workout or had a day of splurging.
Happy Holidays!
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