Tips for making the holidays easier, so you will have more time to spend with family & friends + avoid the holiday weight gain!
This time of year can get really busy so I am always trying to find ways to make things easier for myself; so I can spend time with my loved ones. A few areas that most women struggle with is finding healthy & delicious recipes to cook and also find the time to get a workout completed. Let me share with you a few tips that I have to make the holidays easier while still keeping yourself healthy.
One of my favorite recipes that is festive, delicious and healthy is my Christmas Zucchini Pesto Pasta. I took this dish to my dear friends home for a Christmas party recently and it was loved by all; even the sweet gentleman who doesn’t like vegetables. The scent of the fresh basil and the flavor of the parmesan cheese in the pesto give the zucchinis a delicious Italian aroma and flavor. This could be a main dish or a side dish accompanied with a lean breast of chicken, eggplant or fresh fish. I love how this dish gives you all the fresh, delectable flavors but not the extra calories leaving you feeling stuffed.
Christmas Zucchini Pesto Pasta Recipe
8-10 Spiralized zucchini (spiralizer makes it simple)
1 small container of cherry tomoatos
Homeade Pesto Sauce:
2 cups of fresh basil
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1 cup fresh parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
Place all ingredients above (except olive oil) into a cuisinart and process until blended. Then slowly begin to drizzle the olive oil while food processor is still blending, about 1 minute. Toss the zucchini and tomatoes in a large bowl with the pesto sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts on top of the zucchini mixture. Serve hot or cold. When serving hot, I cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Appetizers that are easy to make, taste delicious, look festive + help you to avoid the typical holiday weight gain!
In case you missed my latest blog post, here it is again. Delicious, easy, healthy 1-2-3- item appetizers that are a wonderful compliment to any of your meals. Every appetizer only has 3 ingredients; yet they look amazing and festive. And no one will ever know you didn’t spend all day in the kitchen. The smoked salmon on cucumbers to the beet crackers with fresh dill are some of my favorites. With a variety of 5 types, there one to please each person. To keep the holidays even easier, every item was purchased at Trader Joes, so it is a one stop shop. Plus, you don’t even need to make a shopping list, just bring your phone with my blog post; as every item needed is in a picture for ease of shopping.
Ok how are your workouts going this month? I think I hear crickets chirping! I totally understand that during the holidays it’s not easy to take the time to exercise. Many women tend to put everyone else’s needs before themselves, so I challenge you to take the time to squeeze in a workout. Why is it so important to exercise? Most women put on 3 to 5 pounds over the holidays, and then become frustrated when January arrives. Also, the extra time shopping, cooking and cleaning can create stress and the best way to de-stress is exercise.
Here are some tips to make the holidays easier and healthier for you:
- Wake up 30 minutes earlier and do a home workout (link here for 50 + workouts that can be done at home).
- Instead of sitting on the couch before or after dinner, go for a walk around your neighborhood, walk the mall or take the kids, grandkids or dog to the park.
- In the laundry room wrapping gifts, you can quickly do some squats, lunges, pushups, skaters & calf raises between wrapping each gift.
- During your lunch break, eat a quick & healthy protein shake made with coffee, so you have extra energy & time to squeeze in a workout at home or in the office; plus by eating lighter you can save calories for special dinners and parties!
- Drink LOTS of water all day long to keep you hydrated and also drink 30 minutes before going to dinner or party to fill you up more to avoid over indulging.
- Always enjoy the delicious desserts this time of year, but keep them in moderation. You don’t need to have desserts every night and when you do have them don’t go overboard, just a few bites is all you need sometimes to curb the sweet tooth.
” Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create. ” – Jana Kingsford
I feel that everything in life is all about balance and that is why I enjoy making the holidays easier with delicious, simple meals to enjoy with family & friends. Also, I think its very important to budget your time wisely so you can give yourself the blessing of exercise for your body!
Christie, “your personal trainer to help you Get Fit & Stay Fit”
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