“Holiday Diet” Tip #1 – Antioxidants
‘Tis the season! Yes it’s that time of year again where our healthy dietary regimes tend to fall by the wayside. We are steered towards the holiday parties where fried dumplings and sugary laden drinks seem to somehow make their way into our digestive tract. There are of course many things we can do to make up for this madness….and none of these include deprivation (halleluiah!) Here’s tip #1 (more will follow throughout the coming weeks…)
Tip #1: Fill up on Antioxidants
This may not trim your waistline but it will certainly boost your immunity and overall health. Sugar, fried foods and other holiday delights will unfortunately aid in the aging process and send you straight to your primary care physician. With flu season already in session and sniffles on the rise, it makes sense to boost your system up. Antioxidants will do the trick!
One favorite is green drinks. My upcoming newsletter will feature an article on their benefits so stay tuned. There are many on the market but most taste delightfully dreadful. Look for one that’s got all organic ingredients, does not cost you a fortune yet is high quality and tastes scrumptious! (tip – Healthful Direction carries yummy green drink powders and they’re on sale this month!)
Wild Blueberries pack a powerful antioxidant punch at 13,427 total antioxidant capacity (TAC) per serving. Sprinkle them in your morning yogurt or have them as a healthier dessert when you need a break from the Christmas cookies! Fresh blueberries have the most nutrients, then come frozen and last are the canned (without any added sugars).
Acai comes from the rain forest and is consumed by the Brazilian culture on a daily basis (no wonder they look so young and youthful!) Plenty of acai drinks exist yet the sugar content is usually sky rocket. Personally I suggest a capsule form that has been prepared without any damage to the nutrients. Again, plenty of capsule varieties will be found at your local health food store but quality counts. Healthful Direction sells a pristine variety that gives you your money’s worth. A great anti-aging supplement that helps negate some of those poor holiday dietary choices.
Believe it or not, walnuts are considered an antioxidant. One serving will provide you with 3,846 TAC (not too shabby!). They also contain lots of healthy omega-3 oils which help with brain functioning and dry skin. Eating a handful of these before going to your holiday cocktail party will help balance out blood sugar and also fill you with those much needed antioxidants.
Antioxidants are everywhere! Fill your plate with some every day this month to help negate the effects of sugar and artery clogging foods. If you’re going to have a dessert, it may as well be one that contains antioxidant filled strawberries, cranberries or pecans!
Here’s to your health,
Alison Held, M.S.
Nutritionist
www.healthfuldirection.com
