Include Only 5 Foods On Your Christmas Table to Help Lose Weight
The Christmas season is here and that means holiday parties, get-togethers, and of course, food. Lots and lots of food. And while it’s tempting to indulge in all the festive treats, if you’re trying to lose weight or eat healthier, this can be a difficult time of year. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 5 foods that you can include on your Christmas table that will help you lose weight. From roasted turkey to baked salmon, these dishes are not only delicious but also healthy and low in calories. So if you’re looking to stay on track this holiday season, be sure to include these 5 foods on your Christmas table.
Why You Should Only Include 5 Foods on Your Christmas Table
When it comes to holiday weight loss, every little bit helps. So this year, take a cue from Santa and only put the foods on your Christmas table that will help you slim down. Here are five foods to include in your holiday spread that will help fill you up without packing on the pounds.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great food to include on your Christmas table if you are looking to lose weight. Oatmeal is high in fiber and protein, which will help keep you feeling full throughout the day. Oatmeal is also low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their waistline this holiday season. Apart from being a great, healthy addition to the Noche Buena table, oatmeal has the following benefits:
A good source of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and beta glucan.
Rich in antioxidants namely avenanthramides which helps lower blood pressure and increase nitric oxide production that widens blood vessels for better blood flow.
Lowers cholesterol levels and protects LDL from cholesterol damage. The beta glucan in oatmeal is effective in undertaking this task.
Oatmeal’s role in weight loss isn’t that it magically makes you drop pounds, rather it’s in that it keeps you fuller longer. Feelings of satiety can reduce the need to consume more calories. How does this happen? Beta glucan is the answer. Beta glucan promotes the release of peptide YY which is produced in the gut in response to eating. It is a satiety hormone that helps reduce caloric intake and lower obesity risk.
Instead of your usual cookies and brownies, why not try an oatmeal variation of the favorite dessert. The internet is teeming with oatmeal recipes given this recent healthy eating trend so finding one that’s tasty and uncompromising shouldn’t be a hassle. Give these popular oatmeal dessert recipes a go and discover a healthier way of eating Christmas desserts.
Beans
Beans fall under legumes which include peanuts, lentils, and others of the similar kind. These wonder foods have been cultivated for literally thousands of years and have been a staple in many cuisines. Apart from flavor and texture, beans offer high amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, not to mention that a cup of pinto beans only contains 245 calories. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or addition to your Christmas banquet to help with your weight loss goals, here are the reasons why beans deserve to be on your list:
We’ll say it again: beans are weight loss friendly. Beans are packing in he nutrients for a food that’s relatively low in calories. Studies involving people on a high-fiber diet showed that they were less hungry and lost 3 lbs in 4 weeks.
Beans help promote heart health. Christmas and heart health usually don’t agree with each other, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Serving beans on Christmas (or just about any time of the year) can help reduce your heart disease risk. Beans have been linked to HDL and reduction of inflammation and blood pressure.
Helps fight type 2 diabetes. Beans have a low glycemic index which raises blood sugar slowly. Studies conclude that legumes can lower blood fasting sugar and insulin levels.
Up your Christmas dinner game in a healthy way with beans. Beans have proven themselves not only nutritious but delicious as well, earning them a deserving spot on the festive dinner table. If you’re at a loss on how to prepare and serve beans, check out these recipes for reference.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables have enjoyed the spotlight in recent times due to their cancer-fighting properties. Under this group of vegetables are names you’ve probably heard of before such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, and turnips. But what makes these vegetables so special that they must be put on the Christmas dinner table? Well, if weight loss is your goal, it is important to have these low-calorie, fiber-rich, and vitamin-laden food items nearby. But what else are its other benefits?
Cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients, and they're also low in calories. 1 cup of broccoli contains around 31 calories, which isn’t so bad if you’re looking to serve it for Christmas and lose weight in the process.
These veggies are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against disease. One study even found that cruciferous vegetables may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, like ovarian cancer.
If you're looking to lose weight, adding more cruciferous vegetables to your diet is a great way to do it. They'll help you feel full and satisfied after meals, so you'll be less likely to overeat or snack on unhealthy foods later on.
Plus, since they're so low in calories, you can eat as much as you want without having to worry about packing on the pounds. So go ahead and load up your plate with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and more this holiday season!
Still at a loss for what kind of cruciferous vegetables to have? Check out these broccoli recipes or popular cauliflower recipes. We promise, it’s not all stir-fired or boiled.
Lean Meats
As we all know, Christmas is a time for indulgence. But if you're trying to lose weight, you don't have to miss out on all the fun. There are plenty of delicious, lean meats that you can include on your Christmas table. Lean meats are a great source of protein and are essential for a balanced diet. Protein is important since it helps with maintaining muscle tissue, regulating body processes, and promoting satiety which is beneficial for weight loss.
That said, here are some benefits of lean meat:
White fish, a popular lean meat, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is good for heart health.
Good for managing cholesterol levels since lean meats are have high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids that help balance LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.
High in vitamin B3 and B12 which are essential for brain function and blood health
If you’re looking for a protein dish to serve on the Christmas dinner table, why not go for lean meats? Pair them off with some delicious vegetables as per these recipes and you have yourself a Merry (Healthy) Christmas dish served.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are a great way to help lose weight. They are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. They also take longer to digest, so you feel fuller longer. Root vegetables are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. So, if you're looking to lose weight this holiday season, be sure to include plenty of root vegetables on your Christmas table.
If you’re looking for a sign to include root vegetables on the Christmas dinner table, here they are:
Rich in fiber, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. Antioxidants can help combat free radicals that are responsible for causing a host of illnesses.
Root vegetables such as onions which are pretty popular additions to dishes, are great for lowering blood pressure together with having anti-cancer properties.
Root vegetables have the power to reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases
Other Tips for Losing Weight This Christmas
If you're looking to lose weight this Christmas, there are a few other tips you can follow to help you out. First, make sure to include plenty of healthy foods on your Christmas table. This means lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary sweets as much as possible.
Second, keep portion sizes in mind when filling up your plate. It's easy to overdo it during the holiday season, but if you're watching your weight, it's important to be mindful of how much food you're eating. Stick to smaller portions of high-quality food, and you'll be more satisfied without overeating.
Finally, make sure to get plenty of exercise during the holiday season. With all the parties and social gatherings, it can be tempting to just sit around and relax. But if you want to lose weight this Christmas, staying active is key. Make time for a daily walk or run, hit the gym a few times per week, or sign up for a holiday fitness class. Just make sure you're moving your body regularly to reach your goals.
Conclusion
If you're looking to lose weight this Christmas, consider including only 5 foods on your holiday table. This will help you stick to your diet while still enjoying all of your favorite holiday dishes. From roasted turkey and mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie and candy canes, there's something for everyone on this list. So go ahead and indulge — your waistline will thank you later.
Are you looking to lose weight healthily? Perhaps weight gain is right for you? Do you think you could use weight loss medication? If so, get in touch with a weight loss specialist and a registered nutritionist dietitian who can guide you towards the right path to achieving your goals.