Diet and Nutrition Advice: 5 Low-Carb Swaps for A Guilt-Free Holiday Season

With the holidays upon us, you might be worrying about how to get through all the parties and cookie exchanges without derailing your healthy lifestyle. It can be a struggle to avoid temptation, particularly when you’re busy, stressed, sleep-deprived, or all three. At times, you might consider giving up and just diving into the dessert tray. But with a bit of motivation and creativity, you can whip together some festive treats that are both delicious and carb-conscious.

(Original Source for this content.)

Courtney McCormick, Dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers five low-carb swaps to keep you healthy and happy through the holidays:

1. Try veggies when you’re craving a crunch. 

We’re all guilty of lingering too long at the chips and salsa bowl at a holiday party. If you’re craving something crunchy such as a pretzel or chips, try carb-conscious snacks with a crunch – brussel sprouts chips, kale chips, veggies such as cucumber, zucchini, and carrots – they pair wonderfully with a healthier dip such as low-fat ranch or hummus.

2. Sub in cauliflower for your favorite comfort foods. 

Do you love mashed potatoes, rice, pizza, and tater tots? If you’ve been avoiding these foods as part of your healthy lifestyle, cauliflower is here to help. This versatile veggie has recently become popular as a substitute for some of our favorite comfort foods. Mashed and steamed cauliflower have a texture and taste that is surprisingly similar to mashed potatoes – add a bit of salted butter and enjoy! And if you’re not ready to go all in on the cauliflower craze just yet, McCormick recommends swapping out at least half the potatoes for cauliflower.

3. Mix your own dressings and condiments. 

Have you taken a close look at the nutrition facts on your favorite cranberry sauce? You might be shocked by the carbs and added sugars in dressings, sauces, and condiments, even those that appear to be "healthier" options. The best way to avoid sneaky carbs in your condiments is to make them at home. That way, you can control the ingredients and ensure they taste great.

4. Bring the healthy alternative to the holiday party. 

Where everyone else is hauling sugary cookies and cakes, dare to bring the delicious low-carb snack! Get creative with the presentation – use edamame hummus, pita, and slices of red pepper to make perfectly festive "holiday trees."

5. Don’t drink your carbs. 

You’ve probably heard the saying, "don’t drink your calories," before, but you shouldn’t drink your carbs either. Toss the fruit juices and sodas for seltzer, unsweetened tea, and the original favorite, water. Light beer, spiked seltzer, or dry wines are good low-carb alcohol options if you’re celebrating.

• Low-carb non-alcoholic drinks are an even better option.

For more great tips and tricks on how to make the most of your holidays with healthy alternatives, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.  

(NewsUSA) – 

Can You Guess the Healthiest Cuisines in the World?

Dear Blog Readers and Subscribers: 

Missed me?  LOL. ☺❤  

I chilled out a bit for the 4th of July holiday, but I have been (and still am) kind of busy with my various home biz projects.  Publishing this short post so that my readers know this blog is still being maintained.

Found an interesting article today at Spices, Inc. that lists the 8 Healthiest Cuisines in the World.

It was no surprise to me that California Cuisine was on the list. I am a little upset that Caribbean cuisine did not make the list. But I understand. ☺ As to why kosher Jewish food isn't Number 1 on the list?  Your guess is as good as mine. ☺

JUST FOR FUN!

Before you check the official list at Spices, Inc., write down YOUR LIST of world cuisines that you think should be on this list and then compare to see if you guessed right!

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