Beat that holiday bulge?
December 08 2010
With the Holiday season on our doorstep there’s plenty to worry about – second-cousins to shop for, holiday meals to plan, and what the scales will show during the inevitable New Year’s ‘weigh in’.
For those attempting to maintain their weights or lose a few pounds, the holidays can be a minefield of high-fat meals and caloric desserts. However, Chef Paul comes to the rescue and shares his top five tips for surviving the season….over to you Paul!:
1. Replace traditional mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes. Chock full of nutrients, sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fibre and complex carbohydrates. I recommend boiling the sweet potatoes until soft and and mashing with cinnamon and a touch of real maple syrup.
2. Rest easy – the turkey is safe to eat! But white meat only, and nix the gravy. Turkey meat has long been a staple of those on a low-fat diet, and it’s easy to see why. A source of Vitamin B6 and folic acid, turkey meat contains only 1 gram of fat per ounce. Baste with a little olive oil and vegetable broth, and use herbs liberally to really enhance the taste.
3. Though picky eaters may scoff at vegetables, there are many ways to make the standard peas n’ corn just as interesting as the next side dish! Roast vegetables in the oven with olive oil, dress up green beans with vinegar and steam asparagus with lemon and sea salt for a tasty treat.
4. Those interested in avoiding excess calories may want to avoid boozy sauces, after-dinner liqueurs and sugary white wines. For anyone wishing to drink during the holidays, I recommend a small glass of heart-healthy red wine, reputed to be a rich source of antioxidants. Moderation is best, maintaining a 5 oz glass is the perfect amount.
5. For many, dessert is the reason for the meal in the first place! My tip for avoiding a sugar crash after a holiday meal is to enjoy a cup of coffee, a piece of dark chocolate and an innovative dessert, such as pears poached in spiced wine, or fresh raspberries with a sprinkling of icing sugar. Indulge a bit, but keep portions small. You’ll thank me later for that advice!
Everyone here at the MealEasy office is already licking their lips, and we hope you’re doing the same too! Contact us with your favorite ‘Season Survival’ tips, and we’ll post the best here: talk@mealeasy.com
