A menu for the parties that won’t wreck your diet
December is not only the last month of the year but is also one of the more conflictive months in terms of food consumption, because there’s so much going on that disrupting your healthy eating habits is incredibly easy and the consequences may be unpleasant.
For these holidays a nutritionist has given us options to make dishes with fewer calories that will help you care for your silhouette. The key is to moderate the portions without forgetting to enjoy. Remember that the nicest part of the holidays is to share quality time with your loved ones.
This is a period of many gatherings and social reunions. These celebrations and commitments, whether at work, with friends or with family usually involve food, and if you’re not careful you could end up overeating, or simply eating to many treats that may not be very healthy.
Specialists in nutrition explain that it is possible to enjoy the holidays whilst choosing options with less caloric intake. Also, it is useful to consider the size of portions to avoid excessive intakes.
Lawyer Romina Sayar, a member of the Argentinian Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists Dietitians, suggests three menu options for the holidays that are ideal for your loved ones but won’t neglect your silhouette:
- Menu 1
Appetizer: Stuffed eggs with spreadable cheese on green leaves.
Main course: Pork or beef bruschetta with Caprese salad.
Dessert: Raspberry ice cream. - Menu 2
Appetizer: Arugula and prosciutto rolls.
Main course: Round steak with celery salad, apple, walnut and palm hearts with low-fat spreadable white cheese.
Dessert: Pears in red wine. - Menu 3
Appetizer: Heart of palm and pineapple pionono
Main course: Chicken with raw spinach salad and mushrooms wrap.
Dessert: Fresh fruit skewers dipped in chocolate.
You can also replace some low-fat ingredients and make some more classic choices like salads. Below, you’ll find the recipe of a delicious Waldorf salad that will keep you in shape without sacrificing flavor.
Waldorf Light Salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 green apples, peeled and cubed (sprinkled with lemon juice)
- 200 grams of celery
- 50 grams of chopped nuts
- 4 tablespoons of light mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons of plain low-fat yogurt or low-fat spreadable cheese
- 1 dash of skim milk
Preparation: Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt or spreadable cheese and the milk in a bowl. Add the apples, walnuts and celery.
Beyond the importance of being careful in the way you eat, it is important not to forget that it is a time of year for enjoyment.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Plan menus ahead: This will determine the amount of food and drink needed for the occasion and will make you avoid falling into excesses.
- Moderate the portions: Be flexible applying moderation. Choose what you want to eat on the plate, getting just the decided amount of food.
- Don’t skip meals: This will avoid coming to dinner hungry. It is best to perform all 4 regular meals daily.
- Avoid foods high in salt: Cold cuts, sausages and snacks have many calories and chemical additives.
- Enjoy beyond the table: Eat slowly and chew, savoring every bite. Focus on the quality and not the quantity.
- Take soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with moderation: Because they have many calories and do not provide you healthy nutrients. As a replacement take plenty of water, natural fruit juices or without sugar, keeping the alcoholic drinks for the toasts.
- Fully enjoy the party: Seize the moment for encounter and dialogue, focusing on it will distract you from food and drink.
- Include some physical activity in your routine: The days before the holidays is important to keep moving, walking, exercising or playing sports.