Monday, December 12, 2016

Healthy Christmas Snacks

One of the things that really make the holiday season for me is the food. Let's face it; Christmas comes with images of hot chocolate, red cup Starbuck drinks, cookies, and candy. But let's say that you are already contemplating the New Year's resolution of eating healthier. No one says you have to stay away from the yummy treats of the season just watch when you consume it and how much!



Enjoy holiday snacks, but make sure you're also getting three healthy meals a day with a balance of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy.

Once a week treats:


Starbucks Red Cup Treats:
  • Toffee Nut Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Gingerbread Latte
  • Christmas Cookie Latte
  • Caramel BrulĂ©e Latte
  • Eggnog Latte
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte
The reason for this treat only being once a week is because they are so high in fat. It's best to think of this as coffee and dessert!



Twice a week:

Peppermint Bark - It's around only once a year so treat yourself a little. Keep the piece to a medium size chunk. Sweet treats can actually make you feel hungrier.

However if peppermint bark is not your cup of tea (and it's not mine) there is another tasty treat to indulge in twice a week.

Pumpkin Pie - A healthy slice is about 2 and half inches wide. But really it doesn't matter if you bump it to 3 inches. Pumpkin pie is filled with vitamin A!



Three Times a Week:

Caramel Popcorn - Popcorn has fiber, so two handfuls will fill you up without too much sugary caramel. 

Two Cookies - Instead of depriving yourself, have two and really enjoy them. You won't binge later.

If sweet is not what you are looking for there is another options.

Cheese & Crackers - The mix of carbs and protein makes this a totally satisfying snack.


Everyday

3 Chocolate Covered Strawberries - A little chocolate is good for your mood, plus the strawberries have vitamin C!

Handful of Mixed Nuts - Nuts have monounsaturated fats that will keep your hair and skin healthy! (About 30-35 nuts is a good portion size.)

A Candy Cane - Have one when you crave sugar- it's low calories and it lasts super long!

4 Hershey's Kisses - The dark-chocolate kind is actually the healthiest. It has healthy antioxidants.



Warm Drinks


Warm up with some healthier hot drinks, these are great for breaks or for breakfast on cold mornings:

Silk Soymilk Nog - Unlike traditional eggnog, this treat is creamy without being too rich. Pop it the microwave for 30 seconds if you like yours hot!

Nestle Fat Free Cocoa - When you make this with water, it's sweet and chocolaty- but it tastes even better if you use a little skim milk. Yum!

Alpine Sugar-Free Spiced Cider Mix - Add hot water to the mix and it's like having a slice of just-baked apple pie in a cup. Soooo good!



Do you try to stay healthy during the holidays or do you just wait until the New Year's?

1 comment

  1. o this was something I wanted to splurge on. As in splurge, I am speaking in regards to trying to reign in my weight after Hawaii. local volunteer

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