5 WAYS TO ENJOY THE HEALTHY-SIDE

OF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

KEEP MOVING

Take advantage of all the fam-time by encouraging everyone to go on morning walks together! Instead of driving to the store for the 8th time that day because you forgot the correct type of spinach your dad needed...perhaps get in a nice speed walk to the local grocer with your sibling, cousin, mom or dad!

Explore giving gifts this year that encourage physical activity - like tennis shoes, a FitBit, a SWEAT app subscription, a Hydroflask. Check out my recent Go-To-Gear blog post for some awesome gal-friend, significant other, sister, or mom gift ideas!  

OFFER TO BRING / MAKE YOUR OWN APPETIZER

Bring in the holiday theme by tossing together a loaded veggie tray

• Hummus / Veggies: here
• Mixed-Use Tray: here
• Themed Turkey Tray: here
• Smoked Salmon, Cucumber, and Vegan Cream Cheese: here

Have some fun by preparing your own balanced charcuterie board with grainy crackers, 2-3 cheeses, salami, loads of fruit, sliced cucumbers, mixed nuts, carrots, pickles, dark chocolate - whatever you want! Some thought starters / templates here.

Give yourself the title of Dr. Dip Master by bringing an assortment of dips! Whether it's for veggies, crackers, the homemade-sourdough-bread-train, everyone loves a kick-ass dip. Some ideas here:

• KTLEO's Infamous Pink Beet Dip: here
• KTLEO's Easy Homemade Tzatziki (i.e.: 2 tbs 0% fat Greek yogurt, 1 tsp dill weed, juice from 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, few slices of cucumber + dash of salt)
• Majestic Garlic 'Basil Garlic' Dip: here (can find at most Grocery stores!)

ENJOY LEFTOVERS

Take lean-meat left overs, stuffing & potatoes, and toss them on a salad! Add some unsalted mixed nuts, garbanzo beans, handful of steamed veggies, and some homemade dressings (a simple oil/vinegar OR soy-sauce based dressings are my ultimate go-to!).

Add turkey to soups and protein buddha bowls. Use extra veggies in omelets, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or stews!

TWEAK THE SWEET

Stock the dessert table with fresh fruit (like berries, apples, peaches, etc.) to add some healthy / clean complex carbohydrates to everyone's plates! You can even lay out some Greek yogurt for people to create their own yogurt parfaits topped with some of the guest-brought pies, fresh fruits, cinnamon & honey!

Instead of bringing traditionally heavy-cream + butter desserts, perhaps swap it up for a healthy KTLEO recipe! The three below are guaranteed crowd favorites.

1. Vanilla Protein Sponge Cake: here
2. Ooey Gooey Almond Butter Blossoms: here
3. Healthy Vegan Peppermint Patties: here
4. Single Serve Raspberry Brownies: here

PREGAME GUT CLEANSE

If your family is anything like mine, we love our alcohol! Whether it's celebratory champagne, a special-occasion red wine, or an experimental skinny margarita, you'll always catch us with a full-bar set up at holiday parties.

What I've come to find really helps my digestion (and kick the hangover!) is to drink warm water with lemon before and while guests arrive.