Healthy for the Holidays
The upcoming holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also pose challenges to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're committed to staying fit all year round or looking to kickstart your health goals for the upcoming year, it’s important not to let holiday indulgences from Thanksgiving into New Years derail your progress. To help you stay on track, I've compiled some tips and tricks that will support your healthy lifestyle, even when temptation is abundant.
1. Button It Up
Before the holiday madness begins, take a week to refocus on your health. Take time to write down your healthy living goals and get back to the basics. You can revisit my blog "5 Small Changes to a Healthier You," and start by cleaning up your diet, getting back into your workout routine, clean out your pantry and fridge, and donate any leftover Halloween candy that can derail from obtaining your goals. Drinking plenty of water, incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables into your meals, and getting back into a regular exercise routine can set a strong foundation for the weeks ahead.
2. Plan Ahead
The key to navigating holiday gatherings is planning. Create a weekly schedule that includes healthy meals and workouts and then add in any special events. If you know you have a an upcoming event, make sure to plan your healthy eating and workouts around it. it is not lack of time that gets us off track, its lack of planning around your schedule that can cause your healthy routine to slip away. That way if you overindulge one night it will have less of an impact on your health because of all the hard work you have done prior to the event. A light workout the day after can help clear out toxins and keep you feeling energized and back on track
3. Pick your Favorite
Strategize your week around social events. If multiple events are on your calendar, choose one as your cheat night and maintain your routine at the others. Perhaps that work party is one where you may stay as close to your healthy routine as possible whereas you may want to splurge a bit with your college friends party. On event days, healthy during the day but avoid starving yourself. Deprivation often leads to overeating, so continue with your regular eating schedule every 3-4 hours, focusing on nutritious options.
4. Be Prepared
To best prepare yourself at gatherings where indulgent foods abound arm yourself by doing a little homework. If the event is at a restaurant look up the menu and plan out the heathiest option. That way you do not find yourself ordering something you may not feel good about later. If it is a house party bring a healthy dish to share. This not only ensures you have a healthy option but also encourages others to join you on your wellness journey. Bringing dishes like shrimp cocktail, lettuce wraps, or grilled chicken and vegetable skewers can also spark conversations and connections with others who might be inspired by your commitment to health.
5. Enjoy the Holiday as One Day
It’s easy to feel as though the holiday season stretches on endlessly, with one celebration blending into the next and tempting treats at every turn. However, if you shift your perspective and treat each holiday as a single day rather than an ongoing indulgence, it becomes much easier to maintain your healthy living routine. Enjoy the festivities, savor your favorite holiday dishes, and immerse yourself in the joy of the moment, but remember that it’s just one day. By consciously returning to your healthy habits the following day, you prevent the season from derailing your overall wellness goals. This mindset not only allows you to indulge without guilt but also reinforces the importance of balance and moderation in your lifestyle.
6. Bring in Gratitude
Embrace the true spirit of the holidays by practicing gratitude. Amidst the hustle and bustle, take mindful breaths and reflect on what you’re grateful for. This shift in focus can bring peace and reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy the holidays more fully. Starting each day with gratitude can set a positive tone and crowd out distractions that might hinder your health journey.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Makeovers
To help you stay on track with your health goals, here are a few holiday recipe makeovers:
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: Swap traditional mashed potatoes for a cauliflower version.
· 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
· 2 tablespoons good quality Olive Oil
· 2 cloves of garlic, minced
· 1/4 cup of skim milk or a non-dairy alternative
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Begin by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into small florets. This will help it cook more evenly and quickly. In a large pot, add about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the cauliflower florets. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork. While the cauliflower is steaming, add olive oil to a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant but not browned. Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a food processor or blender. Add the sautéed garlic and butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is well combined. Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and pepper to your liking. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Transfer the cauliflower mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy, low-carb side dish!
Quinoa Stuffing: All the flavor without the guilt.
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 stalks of celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the diced apple and cook for an additional 2 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, thyme, and sage. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Chickpea Chocolate Truffles: You will be shocked at how good this tastes!
I can chickpeas
½ cup nut butter
1 cup dark chop the melted
For coating
1 cup dark chocolate chips melted
1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
Mash chickpeas up to a batter consistency. Add nut butter and melted chocolate and mix well and form into balls. Melt chocolate and coconut oil and dip chickpea balls into melted chocolate. Place in fridge to harden and enjoy!
Remember, it’s not about one night out or a single cookie; it’s the daily habits and routines you cultivate that matter most. Enjoy the holiday festivities and the moments you share with loved ones, keeping your health goals in mind. When you focus on the joy of connection and celebration, you naturally steer clear of choices that might derail your progress. For more healthy living tips and recipes follow me on Instagram for daily healthy living inspiration
Stay Healthy and Safe this Holiday Season!
From my family to yours, be well.
— Jill