*3 Holiday Tips:
How to get through the holiday parties and get togethers without overeating or gaining weight. You want to get through the holidays feeling good, fueled, energized and happy, not sluggish, hungover, tired and overextended, in so many ways!!
1. Never go to a party or get together hungry, this is sure sign that most likely you will eat too much and too much of the WRONG things. If it is a dinner then be sure you have a hearty lunch. Same thing if it is a daytime get together be sure you have had a good filling healthy breakfast. 2. Do not try and loose weight before the holidays get rolling, big mistake!!! Just try to keep on track with your healthy eating, nothing needs to change. You can continue to eat healthy and get through the holiday festivities without going crazy with your food choices. If you have been trying to loose weight up until this point, again just stay on track and keep moving forward. Eat something healthy before you leave the house, try not to graze the appetizer table. If you are having a meal be aware of your portion size, drink plenty of water before hand, and no seconds. If dessert is involved, know going into it that this will affect you progress so stay clear of the sugar. 3. Sweets!!!! This also includes alcohol. If you still want to be losing weight through the holidays, then stay away from both sweets and alcohol all together. I know this is difficult but once you let the sugar start to creep into your system then it is more difficult to resist it, a true test to your will and commitment. Choosing to not consume it makes it off the table completely. If you are just trying to maintain (as most of us are) then it is up to you to pick and choose when you will consume your sugar. My one big suggestion is to choose one or the other, either have the drink or have the dessert, NOT BOTH! **Happy Holidays, I hope this helps. Remember you are in control, you make the choices!! For yourself and loved ones make the right choices so you start the new year Healthy, happy and clear. This recipe could replace the traditional sweet potato casserole we have made year after year after year. Start some new healthy traditions of your own and share with your kids to carry down the generations.
Sweet Potato Spears-Holiday
Ingredients:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and slice into long spears (like fries)
2 tbsp grape seed oil, avocado oil or coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup raw pecans
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tbsp coconut sugar
1/4 cup pomegranate arils
Directions:
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare two baking sheets
-Place the vinegar into a sauce pan. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until reduced by about half (about 20 minutes) Let cool.
-While the balsamic is cooking, place the sweet potatoes spears onto the prepared cooking sheets, too with oil of choice and add a pinch of salt. Spread them out in an even layer.
-Bake for 25-30 minutes, flip at the halfway point. Cook until golden brown and tender.
-While the potatoes are cooking, add the pecans to a food processor and process into a fine meal. Add to skillet over medium heat, then add the cumin cinnamon and sugar, 1/4 tsp salt.
-Continue cooking until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn (about 8-10 minutes)
- To serve arrange the sweet potatoes spears on a serving platter, drizzle the balsamic glaze, pomegranate arils and spiced nut topping. You can garnish with a pinch of cayenne if you choose and some fresh parsley.
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