I find it grim. The average American gains 8 lbs. Over the holidays!
That’s a full dress size!
But worse are the health effects: the cholesterol gunking up your arteries and more.
But I’m going to skip all the grim reaper crap (the details about what it’s doing to your body) cuz you already know it. And get to the stuff you’ll get value from.
A simple approach to holiday health AND FUN!
Allow yourself to splurge.
Going into the holidays with the expectation that you can be an angel or saint isn’t just insanity; it’s self-defeatist.
The trick is to be AWARE & to plan. . . Not to be perfect.
Practice Calorie and fat awareness:
Baking for the holidays? Substitute ground flax or chia seeds & water for eggs (1 Tbsp seeds to 3 Tbsp water, allow to sit for 15 min.)
Reduce or eliminate added oils: at 300 calories/ounce, they pack on the pounds AND are a significant contributor to inflammation. (Substitute applesauce or pureed fruit for at least ½ the oil in baking.) Saute using concentrated broth instead of oil. (Alternatively, put 2 or 3 drops of oil in the pan & spread it with a paper towel.)
Use more whole food-based recipes.
Don’t over-stuff yourself!. . . That piece of pie, cut it in half. The whipped cream; leave it off or just use a dab.
Here’s a simple (5-minute) sweet potato recipe made with fresh sweet potatoes and sweetened with fruit. (https://www.drlesliek.com/recipes/healthy-sweet-potatoes-for-your-holiday-dinner/)
Whole food stays in your stomach longer & is absorbed more slowly. It will keep you satiated for longer, affect your blood sugar levels less, and be far less likely to add that extra roll to your tummy!
Drink a glass of water before the meal begins. Wait a ½ hour before dessert.
And, on Yeah, get out for that afternoon walk.
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