‘Tis the season for unwanted weight gain. With busy days packed full of shopping, gifts that often come in the form of baked goods and numerous holiday parties; unhealthy food selections abound.
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t This is why it’s even more important to stay on top of your game. It’s a lot easier to resist overeating tempting treats if you aren’t hungry and there will be less temptation to grab food that is high calorie, high fat and nutritionally lacking if you head out of the door prepared.
t To stay adequately nourished and resist overindulging on those holiday treats you’ll want to first maintain proper hydration and, second, eat every few hours. This means staying armed with healthy filling snacks that will both satisfy you, as well as keep your blood sugar levels steady. Thirst is often mistaken as hunger, so drink up to avoid taking in extra calories by eating when you don’t physiologically have a need to.
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t Keeping hydrated is simple but one of the biggest complaints I hear with my clients is, “I just don’t like water” or “I usually drink coffee, soda or tea.” If you’re not into drinking plain water we recommend infusing your water with fresh fruit or picking up a ready-made option like Ocean Spray’s PACt™ water.
t PACt™ water is flavored with cranberry extract and sweetened with Stevia for a sweet fix without the sugar. Cranberries have many nutritional health benefits and PACt water contains proanthocyanidins, which are the nutritional component of cranberries known for their antioxidant properties and urinary tract health. What’s not to love about that?
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t Once you’re set on hydration, focus on those snacks. Below is a list of my five favorites. This list is simple with options for both the office and on-the-go, because you’re busy enough, your snacks shouldn’t be complicated.
t Remember, drink up, eat up and stay healthy this holiday season!
t Easy snack ideas:
- Carrots and hummus: You can make this snack even easier with portioned packs of carrots and hummus.
- Cheese sticks and grapes: Salty and sweet. Not only does this simple combination please the taste buds, but the balance of nutrients will also keep you full until your next meal.
- Apple and nut butter: Fiber and the good fat your body craves. You can make this one easy with portioned packs like Justin’s almond or peanut butter. When choosing your apple, if you’re eating the skin, go for organic to skip the pesticides.
- Nuts: A handful of nuts is a great way to satisfy hunger without a lot of fuss. Keep your portions in check with pre-portioned packs or go with the handful rule, meaning just a handful is all you need.
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Disclosure: This post is part of a collaboration between Ocean Spray and SheKnows.
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