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December 2, 2018: Healthy Sides

My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.

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The holiday season is here! Unfortunately, so are those unhealthy side dishes that we tend to go overboard on. This week, we’re going to talk about choosing healthy side dishes, which can come in handy as we continue through this festive season.

The game plan

If you’re anything like the rest of the US, you will be subjected to more than one sometimes awkward, sometimes fun family and friend dinner gathering during the holidays. At your house, you can make the food choices and match your goals. But, uh oh, you’ve been invited to someone’s house for a party, but you’re trying your hardest to stick to your new healthy lifestyle. What do you do?

  • Drink a lot of water before you head over to the festivities. This will keep you from being too hungry to wait for the main meal. No room for appetizers.

  • Eat a healthy snack before you head over. Don’t fill up completely, since you want room to enjoy what your host has made.

  • Get in a quick workout so that you are burning enough calories that you can handle taking some of that delicious pie on the counter without feeling guilty! Parties are about fun, after all.

  • Bring over healthy side dishes to share.

Recipes for success

Let’s focus on the last one. I have a few healthy side alternatives for you to make and take to the party.

Mashed Cauliflower - Anyone watching carb content knows to avoid potatoes. Try this instead: boil and mash cauliflower instead of potatoes. Using this tasty recipe, nobody will miss those potatoes. Save the carbs for the rest of the meal.

Garlicky Green Beans - I know that the green bean casserole is a treasured addition to any holiday meal, but it’s chock full of calories and fat that you just don’t want right now. Try this recipe for garlicky green beans that incorporates those veggies in a new and delicious way.

Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad - Instead of the traditional macaroni, green, or potato salad – hey, I don’t know what your main dish will be – try this non-traditional pear and celery salad. Pears taste amazing this time of year, and will make for a sweet treat for your tastebuds.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about setting goals that will get you where you want to go. It’s never too early to start on your 2019 goals!

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com


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