November 2013
Easy Solutions:
Smart Food Choices and Portions for Healthy Holidays!
The fall holidays are upon us and coping with all the food occasions can be a little rough. Here are 3 tips to help you enjoy the season without going overboard on rich appetizers, desserts and…stuffing.
- Thanksgiving Dinner Tip: Do not come to the holiday table over-hungry. Have a light meal no more than 4 hours before the feast. It will prevent you from over-eating and regretting it.
- Hannukah Dinner Tip: Try making a lighter version of traditional recipes. For example, substitute lower fat dairy products for sour cream and cream cheese, and use less butter.
- Holiday Party Tip: Get a grip on appetizers by taking a small plate, filling it once and then standing away from the food table to chat and laugh with friends and family.
Smart Ways to Stay Active For Healthy Holidays!
A sensible way to offset the extra calories that greet us at holiday time is with physical activity. Plus, staying active these next couple months can really help offset holiday stress, too. Here are 3 tips to help you get moving…and stay moving:
- Take a fresh air walk before dinner
- Take a walk around the shopping mall after dinner
- Turn up the music and dance at home, anytime
3 Festive Appetizers for Your Holiday Table!
- Spiced Nuts – A nutrient-rich nibble along with a nice cup of fall apple cider – see #2. From McCormick Spices.
- Easy Warm Apple Cider – You can make it a cocktail or a mocktail. The thin apple slice garnish really makes it pop! From A Beautiful Mess blog.
- Chickpea Hummus – This recipe comes together quickly in a Food Processor. Surround it on your platter with colorful carrots, cucumber slices, Bell pepper wedges, radishes. From The Food Network.
Easy Side Recipes For Your Holiday Meal!
For more healthy, simple and quick recipes check out Cindy’s Blog!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey Rosemary Vinaigrette
A true North Carolina favorite with an easy gourmet twist. From OurState.com.
Microwave-Steamed Garlic Green Beans
A simple recipe you can make healthier by using olive oil instead of butter. From Martha Stewart.
Nutrition Inspiration!
Where do you get inspiration to eat nutritiously? The pomegranate is a most delicious fruit that you may have never tried. All grocery stores are well-stocked right now, so go for it! The tricky part with a pomegranate is peeling the outer skin to get to the arils, the edible fruit, on the inside. There are different methods to use with this delicious fruit and here is a short video that shows you one way to peel a pomegranate. Does this give you nutrition inspiration? I hope so!
Take Action Now!
Jump on board with a healthier lifestyle for you and your family! For quick solutions that everyone can handle, invest in my e-book bundle of 3 books. There’s one book of meal plans with grocery shopping lists and 2 books of recipes to get you going!
Please note that I am an in-network provider of nutritional counseling for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina*. I am accepting new clients and will be delighted to help you achieve your health and nutrition goals. Contact Cindy to find out more or to set up your first appointment!
*Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Hannukah!
Cindy
Cindy Silver, MS, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Winston-Salem, NC