The holiday season has just begun, and you may already be feeling the effects of salty, fatty, sugary foods that are in no shortage this time of year.
Chocolates, candies, buttery mashed potatoes, little appetizers, egg nog, and more are okay to indulge in from time to time. But making them consistent parts of your holiday diet can contribute to weight gain, higher blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
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This year, try to skip out on some of the butter, cream, sugar, and salt between your big festivities by flavoring your foods with seasonal spices.
Herbs and spices are nature’s way of bringing the flavor. Many are also rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other healthful compounds that may help with various conditions.
Allspice: Allspice can be used in bread, meats, desserts, and cereals. It goes well with savory dishes like soups, sauces, grains, and vegetables.
Basil: Can be sliced into salads, appetizers, and side dishes. It can also be enjoyed in presto over pasta or in sandwiches.
Cilantro: Use it to season your Mexican, Southwestern, Indian, and Thai dishes.
Cinnamon: A taste of the holidays that can be stirred into fruit compotes, baked desserts and bread, added to beverages, and used to season savory Middle Eastern dishes.
Cumin: Accents Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern Dishes, as well as stews and chili.
Garlic: Add it to soups, pastas, marinades, dressings, grains, and vegetables.
Ginger: It is very good in Asian and Indian sauces, stews, and stir-fries. It’s also great to add to baking and beverages.
Mint: Mint adds some flavor to savory dishes, salads, beverages, salads, marinades, and fruit.
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Nutmeg: Stir it into fruits, baked goods, and vegetable dishes.
Oregano: Tastes great in Italian and Mediterranean dishes; also good with tomato, pasta, grain dishes, and salads.
Turmeric: Almost essential in Indian foods; also good with soups, beans, vegetables, and specialties like “Golden Milk.”
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
