Your restricted summer diet and all around health goes downhill from Thanksgiving onward. It’s an inevitable fact of life, and no one seems to be that upset about it. We stuffed our faces with mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey and ate our weight in various flavors of pie. Immediately after our Thanksgiving daze is over, we indulge in our share of holiday drinks at Starbucks, candy, and pastries until Christmas and Hanukkah are over. We also can't forget the leftovers from the holiday parties that we attended. Let's remember that when New Year’s rolls around, we drink our weight in champagne. Our health as we know it is over once the holidays begin and doesn’t go back to normal until after Saint Patrick’s Day.
In the midst of all the unhealthy chaos this holiday season, I have a few tips for those of you who want a quick detox in between holidays. First, it is OK to indulge ourselves once in a while. Treating ourselves to holiday dinners and the occasional (or not so occasional) Starbucks holiday drink is OK. We deserve it. Second, when a detox is necessary, here are a few meal ideas that are easy to make and taste just as good as a holiday feast… Well, almost as good.
Start the day off with a bowl of oatmeal topped with brown sugar, cranberries, blueberries, peanut butter, or whatever sounds good to you. For lunch, smother some avocado on a piece of whole wheat toast or two. For extra flavor, sprinkle hot pepper flakes and a pinch of salt on top and enjoy. Throughout the day, drink a cup or two of green tea. Green tea is a natural detoxifier packed with antioxidants, and will get rid of that your bloated stomach in no time. My parents always make a hearty stew in a Crockpot with tons of vegetables, spices, and a nice vegetable broth. It is perfect for the holidays and keeps you full throughout the day. Instead of indulging in candy and pastries, give yourself a healthier treat. Snack on fruits and vegetables throughout the day. You’ll kick your sweet tooth and boost your immune system all at once.
Good luck getting through the holiday season without gaining fifty pounds, but remember that it is OK to indulge yourself sometimes. I know I do!
