Holiday Balance

‘Tis the season for celebrations and gatherings with family, friends and, if we’re lucky, coworkers, which often means indulgences. In the excitement of the holidays, it’s common for people to overindulge and give up on their healthy eating plans or to push them off in favour of celebrating. While there is nothing wrong with indulging now and then, it’s all about balance! Here are some tips to help you balance your holiday indulgences and your healthy lifestyle:

Use a small plate or napkin. This will help you with portion control. We have a tendency to eat more at holiday gatherings, especially when we are socializing and not paying as much attention to what we are eating. You can always go back for another plate or napkin full if you’re still hungry but at least you’ll eat slower and therefore will know for sure if you’re still hungry.

Focus on the fruits and veggies. At most gatherings there are fruit and/or veggie platters and salads. If you fill up more on veggies, that leaves less room for the creamy dips, salty and trans-fat filled chips and sugar-filled desserts. That being said, beware of dips as it will seem like you’re not eating much but can add up with a lot of veggies. Don’t deprive yourself – be sure to have one or two treats but make your plate ¾ healthy foods and ¼ treat. Remember it’s all about balance!

Sit or stand away from the food. If you gather around the food, as often happens at gatherings, you will eat more mindlessly whereas if you have to walk over to the food when you want to eat, you will be more mindful of what you are eating.

Drink water. For every alcoholic or sugary drink you consume, have a glass of water as well. Not only will this help keep you hydrated but will also help counteract a hangover and flush out toxins from your body. Help your body process the treats and keep hydrated!

Bring a healthy treat. Particularly at potlucks or family dinners, bring something that you know is a healthier option so that not only do you feel better knowing there will be something you won’t feel bad about eating, but may also spread the joy of healthy foods to others. 

Look for healthy alternatives. There are lots of healthy “upgrades” to many of your holiday favourites online. Even things like blending an extra veggie into your hummus or trying a gluten-free black bean brownie recipe can go a long way. Try searching for healthy alternatives and you may be surprised how yummy they can be!

We hope you take advantage of the spirit of the season and enjoy time with friends and family. To help, I am including a couple of my favourite recipes to take to gatherings or for that special holiday meal for you to try!

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

INGREDIENTS

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp peanut butter (can be any nut or seed butter)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2-3 chopped garlic cloves
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp tamari soy or coconut aminos

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
   

Guacamole

INGREDIENTS

4-5 ripe avocados
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red onion, minced (approx. 1/2 red onion)
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime (approx. 1/4 cup)
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot sauce to taste 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mash avocados to desired consistency (some like a chunkier guacamole). 
2. Add lime juice and garlic, stir well.
3. Gently stir in onion, tomato and cilantro.
4. Add salt and pepper and hot sauce to taste.

No-Bake Cookies

INGREDIENTS

½ cup cocoa
½ cup almond butter
½ cup maple syrup
1 tbsp vanilla
Oats

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt first 4 ingredients together and remove from heat.
2. Stir in oats to stiffen and roll into balls.
3. Store in fridge.