As soon as Halloween arrives, your holiday food cravings kick into high gear and continue through the holiday season until January 1 when you guiltily vow to go on a diet and lose the 10 pounds you gained. Instead of succumbing to festive food binges, take a bite of the following foods that curb holiday cravings.
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Water
Being thirsty can actually manifest itself in erroneous hunger pangs that drive you to eat when you aren’t even really hungry. Start every day with a glass of water with a wedge of lemon and continue to hydrate until sundown. Aim for eight, 8-ounce, glasses of water to aid in metabolism and ward off the need to nibble.
Eggs
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, eggs are a quality source of protein that will keep your blood sugar stable, especially when paired with a piece of whole wheat toast or other whole grain. They also will kick those holiday cravings. Eat eggs for breakfast, wedged onto a salad, or deviled as a filling first course.
Salmon
Another stellar source of protein, salmon may seem like the last thing you’d want to eat when your carb cravings arise, but a serving of this buttery tasting, omega-3 rich fish will leave you far more satisfied and less likely to reach for the miniature candy bars.
Nuts
Keep a handful of almonds, pistachios, or other nuts within reach to nosh when you start to fiend for holiday junk food. Loaded with healthy fats and a healthy balance of carbohydrates and protein, nuts are a wholesome source of yummy taste and crunchy texture that will keep cravings at bay.
Yogurt
Cravings often crop up when you’re idling between meals. If it’s too early to have a substantial sit down meal, reach for a small container of plain yogurt and stir in some fresh fruit. The combination of creamy and natural sweetness will keep you satisfied until you can fill your belly with a wholesome meal.
Beans
If you’re craving something creamy, purée kidney beans into a hummus. If you’ve got a yen for crunch, toss garbanzo beans with olive oil and seasonings and roast until just crisp. Need a real meal? Simmer up a bean and leafy green soup. The protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in beans will help fend off holiday cravings.
Sweet potatoes
One of nature’s sweetest veggies, sweet potatoes can satisfy a sweet tooth without adding a glut of sugar or calories to your diet. Curb your carb cravings by roasting sweet potato wedges in the oven, puréeing cooked sweet potatoes into a creamy soup, or shredding lightly cooked sweet potatoes into hashbrowns or latkes.
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