Tips For Holiday Munching

Ok… so we all know that we are now in the throes of the most challenging time of year to stay in shape and make healthy choices with our food. Thanksgiving to New Year has historically been the time when people are “too busy” to exercise as well as extremely over indulgent with food.

Food is such an integral part of our traditions and celebrations and I believe there is nothing wrong with that. (I think it is beautiful!) However, choosing healthier versions will help prevent blood sugar roller coasters which cause intense food cravings and over eating.

Here are some helpful suggestions that turn 5 traditional dishes into lower glycemic as well as gluten, dairy and sugar free versions that are healthier for you and your family. 

Happy Holidays and Bon Appetite!

5 Tips For Transforming Traditional Dishes:

1. Instead of mashed potatoes try making mashed cauliflower which is lower glycemic. I love this version and found that steaming the cauliflower creates a better texture as opposed to boiling. Then I puree in a food processor with sauteed garlic, salt & pepper, a dash of olive oil and nutritional yeast.
2. Turn a traditional apple pie into a raw apple pie. The raw version uses nuts and dried fruit for the crust and fresh fruit without the sugar overload. I have not met a person yet that hasn’t been blown away by this guilt-free dessert! For a great raw apple pie recipe contact me at coach@laynewhitley.com – I’d be glad to share.   
3. Instead of using bread or gluten for stuffing, instead sautee onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil then mix into cooked Quinoa. Add herbs or additional vegetables to taste (I like to add thyme, tomatoes, a bit of soy sauce and chickpeas, too!).  
4. Nutritional yeast makes a great cheese sauce alternative and is fantastically simple to make. This is a great topping for steamed vegetables. Just combine 1 cup yeast, 1 cup soy milk, 2 tbl. soy sauce, and 2 tbl. ground flax seed. Believe it or not, the flax with make it stringy like cheese when it slightly cools!  
5. Feature lower glycemic nibbles for appetizers such as olives, hummus, and flax crackers (versus wheat crackers which contain gluten). Another great appetizer is egg frittata cut into squares. (Frittata is another name for quiche without the carby crust.) Just scramble eggs, fill a casserole pan with chopped vegetable(s) and herbs of choice, cover with eggs, and bake at 350 for 40 minutes! Chop into bite sized squares and serve on a platter. 

©laynewhitley, 2010. Article may be reprinted with permission.

Layne Whitley, Food & Weight Loss Coach, helps clients lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great… naturally! To get your FREE e-book on lasting weight loss and receive her weekly recipes & success mindset articles on reaching your wellness potential, visit www.laynewhitley.com or email her at coach@laynewhitley.com.