Watch out! The holiday temptations are approaching! We suggest you indulge (yes, you read that right) on the very best and your most favorite treats and for the rest of the holiday gluttony, use good ol’ portion control and healthy, yet still delicious, substitutions.
According to research from the Calorie Control Council, the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat during a typical holiday gathering from snacking and eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.
*Caloriecontrol.org
To avoid the heavy intake we like to substitute high fat items for healthy alternatives that are still delicious and satisfying. Here are three easy, healthy and BOMB recipes you can try this Thanksgiving:
1) Instead of a green bean casserole, which typically is made with processed canned soup and fried onions (200 calories per serving), try these delectable Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts (90 calories per serving)! 
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Prep time 15 min
Cook time 35 min
Total time 50 min
- 12 strips of bacon
- 12 medium/large brussels sprouts
- pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
- Then, prep brussels sprouts by washing and patting dry with a paper towl.
- To make bacon wrapped brussels sprouts. Place a brussels sprouts at the top of a piece of bacon. Then roll it up, your bacon inside the brussels sprout and place on baking sheet. Season with pepper, to taste.
- Bake at 375ºF for 30-35 minutes depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
- To serve, insert a toothpick into each brussels sprout.
2) Instead of Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes (265 calories per serving) try Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese and Chives (160 calories per serving)!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese and Chives
Prep time 10 min
Cook time 20-30 min
Total time 40 min
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup of soft goat cheese
- 3-4 chives thinly sliced
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 non fat chicken stock
- salt and freshly ground pepper
3) Instead of a slice of Apple Pie with ice cream try these delicious Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honey!
Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honey
Prep time 5 min
Cook time 30 min
Total time 35min
- 2 large ripe pears
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp honey
- (optional) yogurt or frozen yogurt
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Cut the pears in half and place on baking sheet.
- Scoop out the seeds using a measuring spoon or melon baller.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Top with walnuts and drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of honey over each one.
- Bake in the oven for 30 min, remove, let cool and enjoy!
*skinnytaste.com
We believe that when you balance satiation and feel nutritionally and emotionally comforted by food then you are full. You won’t want to over indulge. There is no reason to; you are happy, full and satisfied. Allow yourself the indulgence and the next morning, you guessed it, hit the gym and push your self hard on the Tash & Dev #FITSPO Series!
HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS:
*Don’t skip breakfast.
*Load your holiday plate with larger portions of vegetables than meats and starches, like potatoes.
*Stay away from white dinner rolls and butter. (Unless it’s your favorite thing).
*Have only two alcoholic beverages as they are high in calories.
*Many foods taste delicious without sugar and butter…like sweet potatoes.
*Teach family members how to prepare favorite foods without piling on fats, salt and sugar. The Internet has thousands of ideas!
*Drink extra water because holiday foods can be loaded with salt, which is dehydrating.
*Don’t let cooking add up to an extra meal! A bite here, a taste or lick there, these tempting bites can add up quick!
*Don’t stuff yourself to the point of pain, I’m sure there will be leftovers!
*Eat slowly.
*Wait 20 min after you eat before going back for seconds to let your brain tell you its full.
*Take a 30 min walk after dinner instead of a nap.
Fun facts:
Dev’s favorite thanksgiving dish is the turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy!
Tash’s favorite holiday treat is pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream!
Happy holidays! X