With the holiday season upon us, it is easy to overindulge in the sweets, treats and goodies that can be found at holiday parties and gatherings. Many of these gatherings are catered or hosted at restaurants making healthy choices difficult at times.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy a taste of the items available while not overindulging:
1. Opt for healthier drink choices: Spring or filtered water or organic tea
2. Skip the chips, breads, rolls, muffins, etc. If available, opt for a simple small salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing.
3. If eating soups, avoid those topped with crackers, croutons, bacon, cheese or cream cheese.
4. Feel free to ask how the foods are prepared. Look for descriptions like: grilled, poached, baked, roasted or broiled.
5. Avoid entrees with a lot of ingredients. Avoid foods with descriptions like: fried, buttery, creamy, rich, au gratin, scalloped, bernaise, Newburg, BBQ, sweet and sour, teriyaki or breaded.
6. Look for healthier entrée options such as wild caught fish or game, lamb, organic or pasture-raised meats.
7. If it is an option, feel free to make special requests on how your food is prepared and ask to substitute steamed or grilled vegetables instead of items like French fries or mashed potatoes.
8. If going to a pot luck or “dish to pass” type of gathering, feel free to make items that fit your dietary needs. You then know the ingredients of the dish and know that you are offering a healthy choice to all guests.
This chicken dish will not only be a hit, but will have everyone asking you for the recipe!
Lemon Garlic Chicken
12 Tbsp Honey
12 Tbsp Lemon
5 Tbsp Soy sauce
3 Tbsp Chicken Broth
6 garlic cloves, mashed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Mix honey, lemon, soy, chicken broth and mashed garlic in a shallow baking dish. Set aside ½ cup of the mixture. Place chicken breasts in the dish and prick several times with a fork and toss in marinade to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Remove chicken and grill over medium heat 10-12 minutes on each side, using reserved marinade to occasionally baste.
Remember to focus on the real gifts of the holidays like time to slow down with family, friends and those you love, and you’ll find it much easier to keep yourself from overindulging.
Find out how to eat healthy the whole year through in my upcoming book, The Maker’s Diet Revolution. Pre-order your copy of The Maker’s Diet Revolution now at Amazon and ChristianBook.com or look for it at your favorite online retailer on December 17th.
About Jordan Rubin
