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The holidays are coming! Time to consume the obligatory Thanksgiving meals, snack on leftovers and dread the holiday parties where you toast with eggnog and eat your weight in cookies and cakes.
But, wait! The holiday season doesn't have to be a time when you gain a lot of weight. Yes, according to research, people do tend to pack on the pounds during this festive time of year. However, by eating healthier foods and watching what you eat, you can avoid the winter weight gain.
On average, a traditional Thanksgiving meal contains more than 2,000 calories (most of which are contained in the yummy appetizers and desserts). This year, if you focus on eating these foods, you can help curtail the pounds:
- Pumpkin: This vegetable is rich in Vitamin A, a good source of fiber and low in calories. Eating pumpkin seeds are a good source of good fatty acids. If you have to eat pumpkin pie, try to make one that is low-fat. Use an egg substitute, light cream or low-fat evaporated milk, and make a pie crust shortening free.
- Cranberries: These little berries have quite a healthy punch. Packed with Vitamin C, dietary giber and manganese, they can help prevent urinary tract infections as well.
- Sweet Potatoes: Instead of the normal potato, dine on a baked sweet potato. They are a rich source of antioxidants and a great source for potassium.
- Turkey: Of all of the meats you can eat this holiday season, turkey is the healthiest choice. Not only is it high in fiber, but it offers the least amount of fat per serving. Choose wisely though, the dark meat of the turkey, as well as the skin are loaded with fat!
- Green beans: Like most of the healthy holiday foods, these beans are an excellent source of Vitamin C, K and manganese. Add in Vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate and iron, and green beans are the healthiest holiday food on the menu. Steer clear of casserole since it is high in calories and packed with butter. If you are cooking this year, try a low-fat version with fat-free cream of mushroom and light butter.
And remember, exercise is always key to keeping off the expected holiday weight gain! Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa Maloy owns Fitbodi, a professional athletic training business in Las Vegas. She is a Certified Professional Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Zumba instructor, Certified bodypump instructor, director and examiner for the Private Trainers Association (ProPTA), professional fitness model and IFBB Pro Figure Athlete. Maloy is also a successful professional figure athlete competitor with the IFBB, having placed in the top 15 in the world in every show. For more information, contact her at 702-373-6278.
Thanks for your interest and if you have any questions or comments feel free to call or write us:
Phone: (702) 444-4321
Email: info@one-lasvegas.com
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