Healthy Holiday Tips

Along with the holiday season comes an abundance of rich foods making healthy eating even more of a challenge. Keeping in mind that moderation is the key, you still can enjoy yourself with smaller portions and employing a few tricks.

• Resist the temptation to let a one social gathering result in ongoing indulgences. Choose to splurge at only one party or one meal per week.
• Don’t go to the party hungry. Earlier in the day, eat wholesome meals with lean protein and snack on fresh fruit, veggies or low fat cheese at the party.
• Bring your own healthy dish to a social gathering.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water since alcohol and coffee can cause dehydration.
• Take 10-15 minute brisk walks each day; enjoy this time with your friends or loved ones.
• For baking duties, schedule this activity after a wholesome meal when you’re satisfied and less likely to nibble. Package and store your treats as soon as they’ve cooled; goodies packaged and set for gift giving are easier to resist.
• Lessen the amount of sugar needed in recipes by adding extra cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla; use fresh fruit instead of sugary toppings.

Need to bring a dessert to a holiday gathering?

Here is a delicious, 7 step chocolate cake recipe that is always a hit!

1. Grease and line the bottom of a 20cm round, loose-based cake tin
2. Heat the oven to 350F
3. Sift together 1½ cups plain flour, 4 tbsp cocoa powder, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
4.  In a separate bowl, mix together 1/3 cup vegetable oil or applesauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1½ tsp vanilla, 1 cup warm water
5. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened; do not over mix
6. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until cake has risen and springs back when pressed.
7. Serve the cake as is, or top with yogurt and either raspberries or strawberries!