Indulge in holiday weightloss foods that actually burn fat, build muscle, and prevent binges and you may actually lose weight during the holidays. Get started with the holiday weightloss foods below and you'll never feel deprived or stressed about what to eat at your next holiday gathering.
Turkey: The Abs Diet reports that " an Arizona State University study found that people who ate a high protein diet, burned more than twice as many calories in the hours after their meals as those eating predominantly carbs". Choose turkey as your high protein food and start burning calories. Other great proteins for weightloss; chicken, eggs, salmon, cottage cheese, whey protein powder.
Nuts: The Abs Diet, also reports that "a handful of almonds provides 19% of your daily requirement for magnesium- a key component for muscle buidling. In a western Washington University study, people taking extra magnesium, were able to lift 20 percent more weight and build more muscle than those who weren't".
Sweet Potatoes: According to various studies, sweet potatoes can help sweet cravers beat stress by releasing the endorphin like rush they get from bad sweets such as chocolate. They are also high in vitamin a, c, e, and b6, potassium, iron, and fiber. Plus a medium sized potato is only 120 calories.
Green Beans: At 25 calories for 1/3 cup you can't afford not to fill up on this great tasting veggie. It's high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin c. Other great greens you can eat in unlimited amounts for rapid fatloss; broccoli, brussell sprouts, green peppers, spinach and other leafy greens.
Pumpkin: If the holidays make you feel down you're more likely to overeat, binge, or eat the wrong foods to make yourself feel better. According to prevention magazine foods high in b vitamins can boost mood and help you de-stress. Try a pumpkin pudding recipe or roasted pumpkin soup (sorry, pumpkin pie doesn't count, it's not made from pumpkin puree and is very high in sugar).
Apples: High in fiber, prevent cholesterol build-up, strengthen lungs and bones. They're ready to eat and a great pre-party snack (with peanut butter smeared on top) that helps you control binges. You can also chop and toss into stuffing, salads, or just bake them. Apple slices on whole wheat toast with peanut butter also makes a great pre-workout meal.
Berries: Extra high in fiber, vitamin c, and folic acid. They're sweet, tart, and low calorie. Add them to desserts and see how easy it is to keep those portions small. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all high in fiber. Cranberries have the added benefit of being super antioxidants which help you maintain urinary tract health, and prevent ulcers caused by stress.
Chai Tea: Trying to stay away from the yummy pies, cakes, and cookies can be easy if you indulge your sense of smell. Vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, are all great scents that can help curb cravings and chai tea provides them along with great antioxidants that fight stress. Celestial Seasonings Original Indian Spice smells like an amazing desert and can be found at any supermarket. A great after dinner treat.
Red Wine: It's o.k. to indulge in a glass of red wine once or twice a week. Red wine has some benefits and Harley Pasternak author of The Five Factor Diet insists that his celebrity clients indulge once or twice a week to avoid binges, diet meltdowns, and to keep it realistic. Get his book and get more great tips on how to make quick weightloss meals with just five ingredients.
Learn how to make 5 minute meals using just 5 ingredients with: The 5 Factor Diet
