Most people try to get fit before the holidays. Of course, you want to look your best for the countless parties, gatherings, and reunions. You want friends to say: “Ooh, you’re looking good.” But during this season, your table is filled with mouthwatering holiday treats which tempt you to indulge and forget your diet. In simple terms, it’s like you are replacing what you lost with potentially more dangerous calories or that dreaded holiday bulge.
Don’t make Christmas an excuse to eat unhealthy. There are several groceries and supermarkets near your condo that you can explore for healthier eats. One of the benefits of condo living is having access to fresh produce and different food options.
While you can forgive yourself for eating fatty and sweet foods on the Noche Buena table, you shouldn’t let your diet take a backseat. Balance the holiday festivities with some superfoods you can add to your grocery list. Superfoods are super because they are not only packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies need, but are also rich sources of antioxidants and substances that help our bodies fight certain diseases.
Make your Christmas merry by making sure you still get to eat healthy.
Mind your grains
Extra rice for Christmas? Don’t get too excited. Rice, and extra cups of it, will surely contribute to the bulge and your muffin top. But don’t worry because you can still have some grains and be healthy.
Have you tried quinoa? It has the same texture as rice but it is super because it is among the few grains or seeds that provide all nine essential amino acids. This nutrition-packed superfood is good for maintaining a protein-rich diet.
There’s also the all-time go-to superfood, oatmeal. It is high in fiber and improves metabolism, something you’ll definitely need when you can barely move because you are too full. It is also known to help lower cholesterol levels and aid in digestion.
Berry, berry good
When you think of healthy food, it’s impossible not to think of fruits. If you want fruits with superfood benefits, pack up on berries. Blueberries are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Strawberries are also good antioxidants and rich in vitamin C. Cranberries are known to be bacteria-busting agents and have disease-fighting powers. And guess what? These superfoods can also be the superstars in your cakes, juices, and desserts this Christmas.
Go nutty
One of the reasons for the holiday bulge is snacking too much in between the extended breaks. In order to soften the impact of expected holiday weight gain, trade your salty chips with nuts. Yes, you can go nuts over the holidays.
Almonds offer the highest concentration of nutrients. It’s got fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Pistachios are a good choice too, as they are rich in fiber and protein. You may add other nuts to the mix as you wish. This snack has all the yummy and crunchy goodness.
Mean greens
You already probably know that veggies are your best friend if you want to stay fit and healthy. But do you know which mean green is the meanest, and most super of them all? It’s kale. It provides more antioxidants than most veggies, while being a great source of fiber, calcium, and iron. Broccoli, spinach, and beets are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and disease-fighting compounds for a healthier you.
Substitute with yogurt
If you are whipping dessert recipes for the holidays, you can try substituting cream cheese with yogurt. Yogurt, especially the Greek variety, is full of protein and probiotics. Apart from it being thick and creamy, it also gives any dish a special flavor and kick. Yogurt may also substitute sour cream or even mayonnaise when making dips.
It’s tea time
Green tea is a powerhouse drink. Tea drinkers have lower risk of stroke and heart diseases. It also fights inflammation and boosts brain health. Green tea contains anti-oxidants that help burn fat and calories, making it an effective weight loss agent. So make it a point to drink more than one cup of tea every day especially if you want to shed the holiday bulge.
Salmon goodness
Pork slobs and chops, steaks, and barbecue are abundant during the holidays. But there’s an equally satisfying and delightful meal that you can prep this season — salmon. It is super because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and produce good cholesterol. There are several easy holiday recipes you can do with salmon to make your Noche Buena table more festive and merry.
Bean there, bean that
Beans, of almost any variety, are high in protein and low in cholesterol. They are also packed with fiber, folate, and magnesium. The most super among the bean family are black beans, kidney beans, white beans, and garbanzo beans. Cooking with beans will take you from soup to pasta to even desserts.
Fine with wine
What’s Christmas without some booze? Red wine is considered super because of an ingredient called resveratrol, a potent antioxidant and healthy compound that protects the heart, reduces risks of cancer, and boosts energy levels. This antioxidant found in grape skin is also known to stop fat storage and boost calorie burn. These benefits apply to moderate drinkers, of course.
No need to worry about the dreaded holiday weight gain. Just learn how to balance your meals with superfoods that are a powerhouse of nutrients. They won’t only keep you full, they will also keep you healthy. Say goodbye to that holiday bulge with superfoods that will surely make your Christmas extra merry.
