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As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to decorate the halls, gather around the table, and enjoy delicious holiday treats. But before you dive headfirst into the buffet of joy (who are we to judge?), here are some tips Virgin Active sprinkles on your plate. This makes it easy to prioritize your nutrition while keeping your health journey happy and bright.
“This season, stop treating your nutrition like the Grinch,” says Ashley Solomon, a consultant nutritionist at Virgin Active and an all-around cheerful snack lover. “We all know chocolate won’t kill you, but if you don’t fish out the coin first, you might end up eating Aunt Edna’s fruitcake on your third bite.”
With this in mind, here’s Ashley’s list of festive food hacks, calorie crunchers, and interesting food swaps that dethrone cauliflower and replace it with cottage cheese.
Festive nutrition hacks you’ll love as much as peanut butter loves syrup:
- Carbohydrates are your new best friend
This isn’t just a cliché. It’s a lifestyle! Greet the giggles with a kiss-kiss. It’s a speedy cereal that’s as easy to prepare as a holiday playlist. Just pour hot water and it’s ready! Now you have a high-fiber base that you can customize by adding herbs and vegetables. It’s like a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
- Chickpeas: crunchy crunch time!
Throw it in the air fryer with olive oil and spices for a crunchy snack that’s as addictive as the holiday marathons you watch on TV. Warning: You may find yourself airfrying everything in sight, especially if you got an air fryer for Christmas and joined the thousands of others returning from lockdown.
Cottage cheese is a lazy chef’s delight. Even if he’s delicious, he’s not your boyfriend. Cottage cheese contains 28g of protein per tub. Perfect when you want to feel luxurious without breaking a sweat. Grab your spoon, put on your Christmas hat, and let’s go.
Nutritional yeast is a game changer. Sprinkle it on popcorn or pasta to add a cheesy flavor that will make your taste buds dance as if you’ve just found your way to the dessert table.
Two food groups that keep you full
Protein + Fiber = Satisfaction (if only the Rolling Stones had known this in 1965). Make sure every meal includes a protein source and aim to consume 25g of fiber per day. Your hunger will be unbearable, and your waistband will thank you!
3 easy tips to enjoy luxury without the guilt
- Don’t arrive hungry – eat well before the feast! Skipping a meal to “save room” usually results in diving headlong into the dessert table (we’re looking at you, Uncle Ed, that’s awkward!). Trust me, no one wants to see that. Of course they do, but there will also be photos and perhaps a video. Never say we’re not on your side.
- Start with vegetables – Start your meal with a vegetable starter. Enjoy your feast and be happy with your choice. Hummus and vegetable sticks, anyone? (If only Rand were there every time I heard that on Christmas Day)
- Savor the treat – If you’re craving some of Grandma’s famous pie, try it. Enjoy it without feeling guilty and move on. It’s all about balance, not scarcity. And if you’re asking for a second slice, make sure no one’s watching and you’re filming that awkward Uncle Ed plunging headfirst into the dessert table…
4 tips for managing your calorie balance during the holidays
- Protein-packed breakfast – Start your day with a breakfast that will keep you satisfied and energized. Eggs, greek yogurt, protein smoothie.
- Choose One Treat Every Day – Stop munching by choosing your favorite treat each day. Quality over quantity, folks!
- Add vegetables to every meal – increase your fiber intake and fill your plate with colorful vegetables. They’re your best friends at the holiday table (sorry, Mr. Turkey).
- Do you want to eat something? Take it and move on! – Don’t ignore your desires. Enjoy a small portion and then return to your regular diet. Just not next to the cheese platter.
Swap something sweet for something savory to keep yourself feeling refreshed.
- Here are Ashley’s snack and treat ideas for your sweet lover.
– Snack: 3 dates and 1 tablespoon peanut butter (use the sugar-free, salt-free version so Santa’s elves prioritize your gifts)
– Snack: Add 150g non-fat yogurt and a mini box of Smarties - For Yummy fans, Ashley suggests:
– Popcorn with sea salt (you can also add nutritional yeast for extra cheese flavor and protein)
– Ham and cucumber roll-ups - And for those who love crunch:
– Snack: Add 1 tablespoon to sliced apples. peanut butter
– Snack: Roasted chickpeas, please: Add some olive oil, sea salt, and spices to the drained and dried chickpeas and fry in an air fryer at 200 degrees for 15 minutes.
Ashley added: “It’s important to stay hydrated, but water alone can get boring, so add fruit and herbs, drink herbal tea, or invest in a cute water bottle. The more stylish, the better. You’re more likely to use it because you need to stay hydrated.”
And since it’s time to spend time with your family, get your family involved in the kitchen and make grocery shopping a family event. “Let everyone choose their favorite foods. Plus, making family meals that everyone can collaborate on is a great way to sneak in new foods. And don’t forget about non-food activities. Please, because ending the holiday feast is a team sport.”
So as you prepare for the holiday season, remember that nutrition doesn’t have to cause stress. Adopt these easy hacks to enjoy your treats and, most importantly, have fun. After all, the best part of the holidays is making memories. Some people are making sandwiches. Some people have made reservations.
For more information about nutrition or to schedule a time with a nutritionist, please visit WebsiteCheck it out. Website Get more updates or visit your local club. *
wellness virgin active It’s about taking care of your health in all aspects, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mental health. For more information, please visit: www.virginactive.co.za
Note: ‘Club’ means Virgin Active. However, you never know what will happen after your workout.
