10 Tips For a Healthier Holiday

10 Tips For a Healthier Holiday

Christmas is just moments away, and the next few days will be filled with temptation.  Most of us will be dropping the discipline and allowing ourselves to enjoy treats we usually avoid, but that doesn’t always have to mean “blowing our diet.”  Below are 10 Cooking & Nutrition Tips for a healthier holiday I share with my cleansing clients in how to live healthier while still indulging in the richness of life.
 
1) Cook With Water Not Oil
When cooking and preparing food, skip sauteeing in oil and instead try water.  One of the first things I teach people is to stir-fry their veggies in water, using fresh herbs and spices as the flavor enhancers.  Everyone is ALWAYS pleasantly surprised at how delicious everything turns out!  It is easy, just start with a ½” water in a pan and when it cooks down, add a bit more. 
 
2) Try Celery Instead of Salt
Believe it or not, celery is a very salty vegetable and when you add this to dishes, it adds the salt flavor.  You can use this whether the dish is cooked or raw, and it works like a charm.  The bonus of using it raw is that it also brings texture with a powerful crunch.
 
3) Skip Butter, Add Applesauce
Applesauce is a fantastic substitute for butter when making baked goods.  It add moistures and a ton of flavor.  Plus it will bring in the sweetness and delicious flavor of apples.  You can find many recipes online with these two ingredients swapped.
 
4) Use Almond Milk Instead of Cow’s Milk
This goes for all cooking, whether it be mashed potatoes, gravy, or if making egg nog or hot chocolate.  The Almond Flavor will add another layer of deliciousness and it will keep you intestines and your waistline happy.
 
5) Roast Instead of Candy Sweet Potatoes           
Sweet potatoes are already so incredibly sweet on their own that adding anything else can masque the flavor of this delicious root vegetable.  Roasting them preserves and enhances their natural flavor and saves a ton of extra calories, fat, and unhealthy additives that come along in the candied version.  Not only that, it will satisfy your hunger and leave behind the chemical addictions that keep us wanting more. 
 
6) Skip the Dip
Period.  Most of the dips that are around on the holidays are loaded with sour cream, cheese, and other high calorie, unhealthy ingredients that add up quickly without us being conscious of it.  Not only that, most of the dips are devoured while mindlessly munching at the goodie table.
 
7) Uses Herbs & Spices Instead of Sauces
Mother Nature is brilliant, and she has provided us with a plethora of natural ingredients that can be used to add and enhance flavor.  Try adding dill, cilantro, rosemary, or basil to any dish or salad.  When preparing a dish, play with turmeric, cumin, or cayenne pepper.  All of these options will take your meal to another level and help avoid sauces that are loaded with salt, sugar, and preservatives.
 
8) Add Avocado
Avocado is one of Natures perfect foods.  Not only is the flavor incredible, but the texture provides a creaminess we crave when we want comfort food.  Adding this to any dish will add the healthy fat, flavor, & nourishment we are looking for.
 
9) On the Side Please
If and whenever possible, try to get dressings and sauces on the side.  This will save not only your waistline, but also your overall health.  Most dressings and sauces are prepared with genetically modified ingredients, preservative, and additives for flavor enhancement.  They are designed to keep us eating and wanting more.  Instead try using coconut oil or olive oil & vinegar.
 
10) Use Nut Butters
If you want or need some kind of spread for whatever you are eating, try almond or peanut butter.  This is a great substitution for butter or any of the other dips and sauces that are usually there to choose from.  Eating a tablespoon will also work to satisfy a sweet tooth, keeping you away from the endless choices of cookies, cakes, and pies.
 
As a last note I just want to share that no matter what choices you actually DO make at your holiday meals & soirees, be gentle and loving with yourself, knowing that you are doing the best you can!  You never sabotage anything, and every moment is another opportunity to recommit to making positive choices!!

And for those that are looking for their New Years Weight Loss Strategy, my next Group Cleanse will be starting January 9th.  Registration just opened and we would love to support you in kicking off 2016 with a bang, setting the tone to Live Your Potential!  

BLESSINGS, PEACE, & LOVE to you all!!

XOXO
Nyk!

What they are saying:
” This is an amazing cleanse! It has changed my perspective on how I eat and what types of food I “filled” my body with.  Having a normal digestion makes such a difference. I used to have serious issues with gassiness and upset stomach.  I feel so much better and energetic. It’s not about the weight, it’s about how you eat and what you eat, so you understand more about your body and what it needs. Naturally, the weight does come off. If you want to feel good and wake up every morning energetic and happy then I highly suggest you try Nykki’s Cleanse!!  Thank You Nykki for such an amazing, eye opening, soul connecting experience!“