Eating tips for the Christmas Holidays

Eating tips for the Christmas holidays

Eating tips for the Christmas holidays

The Christmas holidays are just around the corner and many people find themselves dreading the ???inevitable??? five pound weight gain that comes from indulging in all the sugary treats, rich appetizers and alcoholic beverages typical of the seasonal celebrations.?? It doesn???t have to be like this though.?? With a little forward planning and a few smart strategies, you can reasonably expect to maintain, not gain weight.?? Here are some eating tips for the Christmas holidays that you can easily use to help you out.

1.???? ??Eat before the Party!?? Let???s get honest here.?? Humans are social beings and when we are with others, eating, drinking and enjoying each other???s company, we tend to eat more simply because everyone else is.?? Coming hungry to a party is double whammie since the foods that your body actually needs for fuel such as lean protein, vegetables, fruit aren???t likely to be found in abundance on your host???s buffet table.?? So fill up at home and come prepared to chat ??? not eat.

2.???? ??Bring your own Healthy Dish.?? If you???ve been asked to contribute something to the buffet table, volunteer to bring the veggie platter or fruit platter or a salad ??? something wholesome that will give you a good alternative to snack on.?? Even if you weren???t asked, your host would probably appreciate the thoughtfulness of your contribution ??? and everyone wins!

3.???? ??Choose veggies and fruit first.?? When the time comes to help yourself to the spread of delicious food ??? give yourself the gift of an appetizer of veggies and fruit only.?? This will fill you up (on nourishing, low-calorie foods).???? Do treat yourself later to your favourites, but always start with the fiber rich foods first.?? You???ll thank yourself later.

4.???? ??Wine Spritzers.?? Drinking too much alcohol is a great way to lose control at the buffet table, not to mention the dance floor.?? A great way to draw out your wine is by mixing a third of a glass of wine with two thirds non-spiked punch or cranberry juice.?? Keep in mind that spiked beverages such as eggnog quickly add up the calories.

5.???? ??Sit as far away as you can from the buffet table.?? Helping yourself stay away from the buffet table really helps stave off temptation.?? Enjoy sparkling conversation and meaningful connection instead of second helpings.

6.???? ??Use a dessert plate.?? Using a small dessert plate will help your portion control.?? We all tend to fill up our plates (our eyes our bigger than our stomach syndrome).?? By choosing a smaller plate, you will likely not be taking more than you actually need.

7.???? ??Chew gum.?? Chew a stick of gum after you???ve eaten.?? You???ll avoid nibbling unneeded extras at the table.

8.???? ??Help clean up/serve drinks.?? Keeping yourself busy by making yourself available to your host/hostess is kind to both of you.?? It will help you stay away from the treats and drinks and will allow your host to enjoy some time with his/her guests

About the Author: Alex K is an online Fitness Professional providing health and wellness to the world through his online workout program Cardio Blast. Members of www.Cardioblast.com receive new cardio workouts every week, strength training programs, 50 page meal plan, fitness tracking and personal training included with their membership.

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5 Quick tips for healthy eating

5 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

5 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

Eating healthy is really very simple.?? Eat fruits and vegetables in their natural state.?? Enjoy eggs and poultry, meat and fish often and drink lots of water.?? It can be overwhelming if you???re trying to eliminate processed foods from your diet because, simply put, the ???convenience??? of them is simply addictive (not to mention the additives). Here are 5 quick tips for healthy eating to help keep yourself on track.?? We???ve found them useful and hope you do too!

Include Greens in two of your meals each day.?? This is really easy to do.?? If you have a smoothie in the morning, add a leaf of kale or a small handful of spinach.?? Put some baby greens under your rice at supper or eat a big salad at lunch.

Use your slow cooker for stews and cooking beans.?? A slow cooker is a busy mom???s MUST-HAVE.?? Its easy to chop a few carrots, a potato, onion and throw a couple pieces of bone-in chicken on top with a few spices (or a homemade marinade ??? check on-line recipes for quick n easy options).?? This takes 15 minutes max before you head off to work/school.?? Its ready for you when you get home in the afternoon ??? all you need is to cook some quinoa, or rice or pasta to go with your yummy main.

It???s also great for increasing your bean intake.?? Beans are a VERY affordable way to increase your fiber, protein and vitamin intake especially when you buy them dried in big bags.?? They just need a little prep.?? Put them to soak before you head off to bed.?? The following morning, they will be ready to cook.?? You can cook them stovetop if you have the time, but I like to use my slowcooker and maximize my efficiency while I???m away.?? Rinse and set them to cook in plenty of water on low.?? Drain and rinse again after they???re cooked.?? Use them right away in soups, stews, salads or hummus or freeze in sandwich bags for another day.

Prep your veggies/snacks on a Sunday night.?? Probably the biggest protest from most people is that eating healthy takes so much time.?? Condensing your prep time to a couple hours on a slow evening makes it a cinch when you???re on the go.?? Chop your broccoli and cauliflower into snack sized pieces.?? Peel your carrots and trim the ends.?? You could even dice a few onions and celery ahead of time ??? making prep time for omelletes a snap during the week.?? Set aside little baggies of dried fruits and/or nuts for work.?? If you???re more ambitious, make a big pot of pasta sauce (can be used for pizza sauce, baked chicken), and even a stew or two.?? Freeze them in meal sized portions and you???re set for the week!

Include 3 elements in every meal: think Color, Fat and Protein.?? Colorful vegetables and fruits are easy to include.?? Drizzle your salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an easy way to include fat. Or add some avocado. Include an egg (boiled or poached) or canned salmon or chicken with your salad.?? Healthy fats and simple proteins keep you fuller and contribute to your overall energy levels staying consistent throughout the day.

Substitute honey, real maple syrup and stevia in your recipes, hot drinks and smoothies.?? Honey has long been reputed to have healing properties.?? Stevia adds sweetness (when used very sparingly) and doesn???t increase your blood sugar.?? Check out ideas on-line for recipes using these ingredients and substitute them when you bake. Start today and use these 5 quick tips for healthy eating.

About the Author: Alex K is an online Fitness Professional providing health and wellness to the world through his online workout program Cardio Blast. Members of www.Cardioblast.com receive new cardio workouts every week, strength training programs, 50 page meal plan, fitness tracking and personal training included with their membership.

Facebook:???? www.facebook.com/cardioblast
You Tube:???? www.youtube.com/user/CardioBlastWorkout
Twitter:???? www.twitter.com/alexkotai
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Avoid junk food at work during the holidays

Avoid Junk Food

Avoid Junk Food via Life Supercharger

Trying to avoid junk food during the holidays can often be challenging. Often co-workers will often bring junk food into work and eating this food can quickly add on extra calories. Just picture all of the Halloween candy or Christmas chocolates sitting in the lunch room at your office.

To avoid eating too much of these empty calorie foods we suggest bringing your own healthy snacks to work. Prior to visiting the lunch room, make sure you are mostly full with these healthy snacks. Then you can go and sample the other alternatives that your co-workers bring in without feeling hunger and wanting to fill up on them.

For more information on how Cardio Blast can help you stay in shape please visit our website at www.blog.cardioblast.com.