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This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.
The holidays come with lots of joy and happiness. Typically, this season is full of end-of-year parties, family and friends, gifts and seasonal favorites! As we partake in all the festivities, we also indulge in the season’s best cakes, pies and tasty treats that can, unfortunately, cause us to pack on a few extra pounds. Thankfully, curbing your sweet tooth isn’t as hard as one might think. Here are a few tips to keep it under control.
1.Rid Your Body of Toxins
At least twice a year, your body deserves a good cleanse and now is a perfect time. Eating whole foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps rid the body of unwanted inflammation and toxins. If you’re feeling sluggish or bloated, a cleanse will definitely turn things around and also reduce those pesky cravings for unhealthy snacks and sweets.
Garden of Life’s RAW Cleanse is designed to support natural body cleansing and organ detoxification. It is made exclusively with raw, vegan ingredients. The three-step detox is also gluten-free, binder-free and contains no Psyllium or hard laxatives.
2. Indulge in Dark Chocolate
It’s been said that 85% dark chocolate helps reduce appetite and cravings for richer sweets. The stearic acid in the chocolate slows digestion which increases the feelings of fullness. What’s more, is that research suggests that even smelling 85% chocolate can decrease cravings.
3. Add More Fiber-Rich Foods
This one is simple, if you want to feel fuller longer, consume high-fiber foods. When fiber is consumed, the stomach stretches and empties slowly, keeping you full for a longer period of time. A few fiber-rich foods include:
- Almonds
- Artichoke
- Avocados
- Chia Seeds
- Lentils
- Lima Beans
- Quinoa
- Raspberries
- Split Peas
4. Load Up on the Protein
Eating sufficient amounts of protein can make or break your appetite. Ensuring your daily caloric intake is 20–30% protein can increase fullness which can help hold you over until your next meal and reduce body fat. Whether the protein is consumed during meals or snacks, it’s effective.
High-protein snacks are a great option and decrease hunger better than high-fat snacks. Most protein sources are low-calorie foods, so in a season where people are gaining weight, eating enough protein may actually help you lose weight. A tasty protein bar or protein yogurt will do the trick.
5. Add Just a Little Ginger
Ginger is great for calming an upset stomach and nausea and is known to ease arthritis, muscle, joint and head pain. A lesser-known fact is that ginger can aid in hunger-reduction. Consuming ½ teaspoon of ginger in one cup of warm water encourages feelings of fullness after meals.
Lastly, before you indulge in a plethora of delectable treats, remember not to give in to the temptation. If you can, avoid unhealthy food situations. If you can’t, plan out your eating to avoid overindulgence.
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