We definitely want you to have fun this season and we know delicious baked goodies & seasonal beverages come with the territory. Between baking at home with your family, receiving baked goods as gifts, and attending functions with a large selection of deserts & drinks, you’re probably consuming your fair share of bulge inducing delectables. No wonder so many people make weight-loss a part of their New years resolutions!
Here’s how you can modify a bit but still have fun and enjoy the goodies.
If you’re baking, try substituting the following:
* Whole wheat flour, ground oats or almond meal for FLOUR.
* Honey or Stevia for SUGAR.
* Applesauce, mashed banana or coconut oil for BUTTER & OIL.
* Applesauce or flax meal for EGGS.
* Carob chips or dark chocolate chunks for CHOCOLATE CHIPS.
* Greek yogurt for SOUR CREAM.
If you’re attending a party try the following:
* Make the earlier part of the day extra healthy. Have a high fiber breakfast, a vegetable filled lunch and exercise in the afternoon.
* Eat a healthy snack before the party to ease your hunger. We’ve heard a cup of vegetable soup does a great job. Also try fiber filled fruit, string cheese, almonds, 4 oz. Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.
* When you get to the party, survey and determine your options before filling your plate. Decide which foods you like best and choose only those – don’t fill up on the others.
* Dish out smaller portions – about 20% less than you think you might want. (How many times have your eyes been bigger than your stomach at a party)?
If you are going to indulge in Holiday Libations, here are lower calorie options:
* Wine spritzer = White or red wine mixed with club soda
* 5 oz. of wine, 12oz. of light beer, or 1.5oz of liquor combined w/ non-calorie mixers = 120 calories each.
* Cranberry crush = Club soda splashed with cranberry cocktail and frozen grapes
* Guiltless hot chocolate = 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder, skim milk, low-cal sweetener, dash of cinnamon & vanilla extract
* Apple tea = Brewed tea sweetened with a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick.
Do you have any tricks, tips and strategies for savoring the season without putting on the pounds? We’d love to hear it!
Merry Christmas!!
S.O.
POB Agency
The Patrick O'Brien Agency 