It’s that time of year – sugar and baked goods everywhere. It’s hard to get away from the unhealthy temptations of the holidays, especially with so many social events and family gatherings.
I don’t have the best discipline when it comes to exercising, but stepping up my regular weekly routine (yoga twice, cardio once) and adding in an extra class here and there helps me make healthier food choices. So here’s what I’ve been trying to do:
- Focus on moderation, not deprivation.
- Consider what I really want and enjoy, and don’t just eat whatever’s in front of me (especially good to remember at holiday parties).
- Have easy-to-make healthy recipes for between the festivities.
For today’s Saturday Short List, I’m helping you with healthy recipe part of all this. You’ve seen enough cookie recipes (not that there’s anything wrong with cookies!) and high-calorie drinks to last for all of 2013. Here are some healthy alternatives using seasonal ingredients:
Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw (Food & Wine)
West African Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup (TasteBook) – I’ve used my spicy ‘The Heat is On’ peanut butter from Peanut Butter & Co and skipped the cayenne pepper in the recipe. Because that peanut butter is HOT.
Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Apples (also Food & Wine – they have a million delicious-sounding seasonal recipes)
My acorn squash & lentil soup (above)
Happy Saturday!
I LOVE mint M&M’s, I make sure to buy them up early in the season when I see them every year. I was out of town during the swap again this year, but it sounds like so much fun. I’m definitely going to try to be around for it next year!
That’s a good idea – now that Christmas is over, I should look for some on sale. Although then I will probably eat the entire bag in a day…