Celebrating what's Delicious and Nutritious this New Year's Eve!
by Christina Meyer-Jax, Tastemaker in Residence
Two recipes as seen on Fox 9 today are Holiday Sunshine Cocktail & Roasted Corn and Pinto Bean Dip
Have you finally detoxed from the trays of holiday goodies, rich appetizers, and bottles of wine only to face a temptation filled New Year's Eve ahead? Don’t let this last holiday of the year fill you with food and beverage regret. Here are some timely tips (and a couple recipes) for a New Year’s Eve that fuels the fun, but also helps you start 2017 feeling good!
Alcohol is a Fast Pass to WeightVille
No kidding right? But here are the reasons why
- Booze makes you eat more (and usually it’s not a bowl of broccoli)
- It affects your sleep quality, which then affects your cravings the next day leading to more eating
- Alcohol makes you store more calories
- Adult bevies are typically high in empty calories and don’t fill you up
Thriving Tips
- Skip sugary mixers
- Use flavored sparkling water and flavored vodkas for a more hydrating and lower calorie cocktail. My favorite is Grapefruit Sparkling water with Grapefruit flavored vodka. Slice of lemon and lime…viola!
- Alternate 1-2 sparkling waters, light mocktails, or herbal tea for every alcohol containing beverage
- Choose quality over quantity!! Sip and savor a higher end wine or spirit. Less is more, but the enjoyment can be greater!
Healthy B46
- Yes keep your day buttoned up before you head out to the parties. Egg and spinach scramble for breakfast, grilled chicken salad for lunch, you know the drill…fiber, protein, and water are your friends.
- And…. once the alcohol starts (or peer pressure social moments) are food choices may be less than optimal. Plan on bringing something to the party that you know is a full of flavor, but not empty calories. I’m a big fan of roasted veggies and bean dips as they check all the boxes for customizable, yummy, and nutrient density! Just like there should always be a responsible designated driver, there should also be a designated better-for-you food bringer!
Having fun and feeling good the next morning do NOT have to be mutually exclusive! Cheers to bringing in it in better in 2017!