The holidays are coming, and like me, you may be stressing over what to serve. I’m committed more than ever to eat grain-free and to think outside the box to prepare delicious mouth-watering entree’s other than the traditional fare I was raised on. Not that those dishes aren’t fabulous to taste, but let’s face it…they don’t serve most of us very well health-wise. Due to my own health issues with Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune illnesses I had to discover a whole new world of clean, healthy eating (and I’ve not once compromised taste) and have learned how to balance my hormones and health with my fork. It is important to me as I move through the holidays to want the things that are the best for me…mind, body, and soul. I encourage you to do the same!
Helpful Tips to Enjoy Holiday Meal Gatherings:
1. Don’t go to the gathering hungry. Eat a nutritious snack at least 30 min before. It takes that long for your brain to tell your body you’re not starving!
2. Use a smaller plate. Psychologically, the larger the plate, the more we fill it.
3. Enjoy plenty of vegetables. Load up on salad when available.
4. Drink lots of water. So simple but it works! Add some fresh lemon, orange, or mint. Try flavored Seltzers, too.
5. Minimize alcohol to 2 drinks. This is key, because the excess sugar causes the fat storage hormone, insulin to be released.
6. Enjoy the turkey, but skip the dark meat which has a higher fat content; and avoid the skin-lots of fat there.
7. When enjoying dessert, use the 3 bite rule. Try 2 or 3 desserts, but just eat 3 bites each, or enjoy a piece of one thing, like cheesecake or pumpkin pie. And if you skip the crust, there’s a huge added savings on the calories as well.
8. After dinner take a walk around the block. Move a little! It’s easy to feel sedated after a big meal because of the glucose load our bodies are forced to try to metabolize…And the tryptophan in the turkey helps to make us feel sleepy. (tryptophan converts to melatonin).
These suggestions are not meant to ruin your special day of grazing on delicious food. I offer these tips if you need them to feel motivated to be careful after all the hard work you have done to honor your body by living a healthy lifestyle. Happy Holidays. Above all, enjoy your time with family and friends. After all, that’s what this holiday is all about!
Wishing you love and gratitude this holiday season and always.
Blessings,
