If you haven't yet taken the step to lose weight and make a lifelong commitment to your health, chances are you're waiting until after the holidays to get started. After all, it seems impossible to enjoy ourselves without overdoing it… Or maybe you already began your transformation journey and are afraid to fall into temptation, tossing away all your hard work and accomplishments after year-end celebrations. But we’re here to tell you it doesn't have to be that way! You can still be the life of the party with no regrets.
Snack on something else
One of the Entalla plan recommendations that nutritionist Sabrina Hernandez-Cano suggests is to replace the chips you would normally eat at parties, which are made of corn, flour or other products that contain large amounts of carbohydrates. Even chips made from vegetables are fried and contain a large amount of saturated fats. Most are also salted, elevating the sodium levels in the body, and increasing blood pressure and inflammation. A healthier option is to make your own baked or air-fried chips. Choose yummy vegetables, slice thinly, and season with black pepper and spices for a delicious treat!
Replace sauces and dressings, too
If tortillas are already a lousy option, imagine smothering them in cheese sauces or other dressings. In fact, just 2 tablespoons of regular salsa contain about 70 calories, mostly from saturated fats. A much healthier option is to prepare your own fresh guacamole with freshly chopped onion, basil, and parsley. You can also change up the recipe by adding chopped celery or bell peppers. Season with a little salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Aside from being much tastier, it will also only have half the calories, with healthy fats and vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. (1)
Create nutritious side dishes
Something to go with your veggie chips like a healthy pico de gallo with tomato, onion, lime, and cilantro and seasoned with a little salt and extra virgin olive oil. A low-calorie combination with healthy fats and loaded with antioxidants from the vegetables. You can also make your own hummus with low-sodium, cooked chickpeas. Add them to a food processor and blend until they are finely ground. If you like garlic, add a clove and season with salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. When serving, you can sprinkle some pine nuts or finely chopped olives on top. (2)
Select the main dishes conscientiously
It's hard to make good choices when there's a buffet of unhealthy food to choose from and everything looks tempting. If you can create the menu or contribute a meal, make sure to select healthier options. For example, prepare a baked salmon or go for chicken breast or turkey. If you eat a plant-based diet, make an exquisite vegan lasagna with eggplant, bananas, or mushrooms. Avoid sausages and pre-prepared meats since they are generally higher in salt, preservatives, and fats. (3)
Choose color and variety
Make the most of your creativity by preparing eye-catching salads. No matter how tempting the buffet is, filling up on salads will be a great help in curbing those cravings. Vegetables contain extra fiber that helps us eat less due to feeling satiated longer. Prepare an arugula salad with purple lettuce, tomatillos, blueberries, diced green apple, and slivered almonds. Season with lemon and orange juice and sprinkle some salt and olive oil. If you want a sweet touch, drizzle a few drops of honey.
Go for extra sweet surprises without the extra calories
Desserts can be our greatest sin, so avoid going for fried options like donuts, which are a fusion of fats, flour, and lots of sugar. If you want to indulge, serve just a small piece. But if you want to prepare healthier versions, make oatmeal cookies with chocolate or vanilla protein powder. You can also make quick cocoa balls with nuts and dates. Dip in grated coconut for extra flair or blend a little Super Slim Coffee into the mixture. You're going to love it!
Try the water and fiber trick
If you want to give yourself a head start before the party, get ready with plenty of fiber and water. Prepare a large glass of water and add a tablespoon of chia or flax seed. Mix well and drink before heading out to help you feel satiated and control food cravings. If you want an easier and tastier way, try our Skinny Yummy Gummies about 30 minutes before a meal, with a big glass of water. This will give the fiber time to expand in your stomach and do all the hard work, while you feel like you just ate some candy.
Stay hydrated!
Whether you consume alcohol or not, keeping your body hydrated with water and electrolytes is critical. Before starting any celebrations, take a couple of nopal capsules to provide fiber, increase the feeling of satiety, and prevent the carbohydrates you do consume from being absorbed so quickly. Or you can drink a glass of Will Pow(d)er, a mixture that makes a delicious beverage alternative, but also provides essential electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium to keep the body hydrated.
Little tricks like these can keep your health on track while still allowing you a good time with the people you love. The key is to maintain balance and be aware that the decisions you make today will be reflected tomorrow on the scale, in your curves, and in your health.
Let's be healthier, together.
Your Santo Remedio Team
References
1. Mark L. Dreher, Adrienne J. Davenport. Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013 May; 53(7): 738-750. Published online 2013 May 2. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.556759
URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/
2. Taylor C Wallace, Robert Murray, Kathleen M Zelman The Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Hummus. Review. 2016 Nov 29;8(12):766. doi: 10.3390/nu8120766.
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27916819/
3. Yusi Liu, Shirley Poon, Ego Seeman, David L Hare, Minh Bui, Sandra Iuliano. Fat from dairy foods and 'meat' consumed within recommended levels is associated with favourable serum cholesterol levels in institutionalised older adults. J Nutr Sci. 2019 Mar 21;8:e10. doi: 10.1017/jns.2019.5. eCollection 2019. PMID: 30918631 PMCID: PMC6432167 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2019.5
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30918631/
