Holiday Healthy Eating Challenge

You know how you always find yourself on the other side of Christmas, after New Years with a few pounds more than when you started. You know what I am talking about, "Holiday weight gain." Well at least that is what happens on my end! I hate it...And sometimes those pounds are pretty stubborn at taking a hike. In fact some of them have been my constant companion for a few years, which is not good. Well this year I decided to do something more then just wish that I wouldn't gain weigh or lose my mind and overeat everything in site! Come on! I will feel so much better if you tell me that you have done the same thing...Anyway this year I decided to be proactive.



My Breakfast Green Smoothie

Last year I discovered an amazing book called "Eat To Live" written by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. I love this book because it is not some crazy fad diet but great information on food, and it's effect on the body, good and bad, and how to use food to heal your body and bring it to it's proper weight. As I said I love this book and have learned so much from it and have implemented many of his suggestions in my life.

So, getting back to the holiday weight gain thing, every year Dr. Fuhrman initiates what's called the "Holiday Healthy Eating Challenge." Instead of over-indulging on too much sugary, fat-laden, unhealthy foods I do the opposite and focus on eating as much healthy, nutrient rich fruits and veggies as possible. (Now you see why it is called a "challenge" in the middle of the holiday season!) But honestly it is not a big challenge for me. (I can't believe that I just said that! Miracles do happen). The reason being that for the past few months my eating syle has changed. I started eating and making more nutrient dense foods and recipes earlier in the year and my appetite is totally changing. I haven't eaten sugary desserts for awhile and I am not...More about that in another post. The challenge goes from November 19 - Jan 8. I am really excited about it...My breakfast is usually a green smoothie with a combination of fruits, spinach and kale etc mixed in my vitamix...My lunch is usually some sort of bean salad with a combination of any salad fixings and beans on top...My dinner is usually a huge green salad with fruit or a delicious veggie soup or veggie casserole...

My Black Bean Salad

So stick with me as I continue this challenge and feel free to join me if it works for you...

Disclaimer: I am not in anyway in the medical field. I am just sharing what I find that works for me...Check with your doctor before starting any sort of eating or exercise program.

Leave me a comment below...

Happy Eating!
Sandra

My Kiwi Salad and Salsa