How to feast on food without putting on excess kilos
Getting festive doesn’t have to involve gaining kilos. You can have fun and continue to feel light. Eat whole foods, and you’re a step in the right direction.
I’m not a health expert. I am a vegan who eats whole plants and occasional processed treats. These ideas can help anyone to feel well during the silly season.
Drink water instead of alcoholic drinks.
I need to favour the habit that developed in most of 2023. I rarely had a drink at all. If you want flavour in your cold beverage, squeeze a lemon into water. Otherwise, keep it plain and simple.
Cut back on oils and other unhealthy fatty foods.
This sounds obvious. But it’s also necessary. I ordered a sandwich todaay, and I didn’t turn down the splash of olive oil that was drizzled on the bread. I rarely get that lunch. The better option is a homemade alternative without oil. I’m keen to mash chickpeas and avocado on some organic toast for an upcoming breakfast. It skips the refined fats. Meanwhile, let’s be mindful of our coconut consumption. The tropical ingredient is present in many plant-based desserts. These treats can be fun. But to keep it light, maybe stick with fruits and soya smoothies instead.
Fill up on whole carbs.
Which unrefined starches might be abundant in this celebratory season? Oven-baked sweet potato fries, whole grain sourdough bread, whole wheat pasta and wholemeal couscous. Some of these foods might be found in summery salads or on their own. Aussies will particularly appreciate salads on humid summer days.
Pile vegetables on your plate.
Eat your veggies. Did everyone hear that phrase when growing up? Well, it can be fun. Shred carrot and cabbage for a coleslaw and make your own healthy dressing. Grill veg on a barbeque. Make a bruschetta with balsamic vinegar. If you are roasting veg, use a minimal drizzle of olive oil and sensible pinches of salt.
Find meaning beyond eating
As family and friends are feasting, remember that you can enjoy aspects of this time without overeating. Listen to your gut.
We can make better choices for food, even at this time of the year. Image: Unsplash.
