This HEALTHY HOLIDAYS (No, this is NOT an oxymoron…) Here Are 5 Healthy Holiday Tips:Red and green are lovely holiday colors, so why not highlight them in your holiday recipes? This season, add these 5 bright, nutrient-dense ingredients into the mix:
1. Pomegranate seeds:
Top your oatmeal or hot multi-grain cereal with these tangy, antioxidant-packed seeds; add to fruit or green salad
2. Organic Kale, Spinach, Collard or Mustard Greens:
Need a New Year’s resolution with staying power and simplicity?…got one for you: “I eat organic leafy greens everyday”.
There! Done! Commit to that, and you’re taking a HUGE (and delicious!) step towards better health!
Blend kale or spinach into your morning smoothie; steam some greens with garlic as a quick side dish; add any of these to soups, sandwiches, or salads…whatever you need to do, just add these in!
3. Avocados:
Packed with healthy fats, vitamin K, C, B6, folate, potassium, and fiber, avocados are magical in smoothies, chopped up and added to salsa, or on salads (I eat these almost everyday in one way or another…it’s an addiction I’m proud of!)
4. Organic Raspberries (fresh or frozen):
They’re close enough to “red” to make the cut! Add them to smoothies, on top of Greek yogurt (with almonds and a bit of raw agave nectar…whoa!) or stick them on your fingertips and eat plain, one at a time! (ahh the kid in me loves that last one…)
5. Cranberries:
Cranberries are high in fiber, vitamin C and packed with antioxidants to keep you feeling fabulous! String this holiday classic around your Christmas tree, or try the recipe below at your next holiday party!
Place 2 cups fresh cranberries in your blender along with ½ cup of pineapple chunks, a quartered skinned orange, a sweet apple (such as one of the organic Delicious variety) and a handful or two of raw walnuts or raw pecans.
Blend till well mixed but still chunky. Transfer to a large bowl. Dice 3-4 stalks of celery, add to the cranberry mixture and stir till just combined. Serves 2-4 people.
…….by Eliza Nimon<