Nobody wants to succumb to the fat pants come New Year’s Day, but with all of the parties and goodies it’s hard not to take in extra calories. Here are a few tips that help keep me svelte and trim right through to January 2nd.
Drink like you’re a Frenchwoman
We Americans have spent a lot of time and energy trying to decode what has been coined, “The French Paradox.” How is it that French women can eat baguettes and pastries, drink champagne and wine like it’s going out of style, and still stay thin?
Because THEY DON’T! Contrary to what you might think, French women don’t have 2 or 3 cocktails or glasses of wine at a party, they have one; one long and well appreciated adult beverage. Their true secret is that they don’t eat a lot of anything. Portion control, eating and drinking slowly, and savoring ones food are actual cultural values that keep the French notoriously thin.
Put those elastic waistband mom-jeans back in the closet, don a French accent and pretend beret’s are back in style, ’cause we’re gonna be wearing our skinny jeans when we welcome in the New Year!
lemon water detoxes the liver and stabilizes blood sugar
Make lemon water your BFF
“In my personal trials, three tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice just prior to eating appeared to lower blood sugar peaks by approximately 10%.” Tim Ferriss, The 4 Hour BodyLemon not only aids the liver in cleansing and clearing out all of the toxins that come down the pike, it also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Anytime insulin has to respond to an indulgence, it swoops in, brings the mop with it and clears up the mess. Only that slurry doesn’t just get poured down the drain after it gets cleaned up. Instead insulin tucks it away in neat little cupboards and closets (which are conveniently parked in such places as your thighs and rear end), saving it for an emergency (such as starvation) that isn’t likely to come our way anytime soon.
Did you eat too much sugar? Have a glass of lemon water! Did you drink to much? Have a glass of lemon water! Lemon water will cure what ails you as well as lessen any chances of a hangover the next day.
Yes, you can do wall push-ups in a cocktail dress!
OMg, I can’t believe I ATE the WHOLE THING!
Sometimes our appetites have a mind of their own. When that happens don’t wait until the next day to remedy the situation, do what Tim Ferriss (author of The 4 Hour Body) recommends. If you’ve just ordered a decadent dessert, excuse yourself and find a private spot with a wall (this could even be the bathroom). Engage in 60-90 seconds of wall presses, air squats, or some other exercise that requires little space and no equipment (even just climbing up and down a few flights of stairs can get your metabolism revved).
Ideally, about 90 minutes after your indulgence has concluded, follow this same protocol. I find that people generally are intrigued by a pretty gal in heels and a fancy dress running stairs, and are likely to join in, if only to jeer and tease!
cinnamon helps you feel full faster
Make cinnamon your favorite condiment
“There is ample evidence that cinnamon can be used to reduce the glycemic index of a meal up to 29%.” Tim Ferriss, The 4 Hour BodyCinnamon on cookies, over french toast, or even sprinkled in your coffee can help to stabilize blood sugar throughout the day, having similar effects on controlling insulin levels as lemon water.
Not only does it help to keep the sugar highs (and lows) at bay, but, because it slows the rate at which food exits the stomach, it also helps you to feel full faster.
*Please keep in mind that more is NOT better with cinnamon. In fact it can be dangerous to consume too much (it contains Coumarin, which is a potent blood thinner). Don’t consume more than 1.5 teaspoons per day.
Volunteer to bring a filling and delicious appetizer
Deviled eggs are one of my favorite appetizers to bring to a party. Not only are they protein rich and filling, if you make the mayonnaise, they are also guilt free!
The problem with mayo is not that it’s full of fat, the problem is the kind of fat. Most of the mayo you’ll find at the store is made with soybean oil. Soybean oil is not fit for human consumption. Not only is it full of pesticides (soy is one of the most highly sprayed crops in the USA. Right next to corn, cottonseed and coffee) it is also a trans fat (that means the bad kind of fat that sticks to your arteries and your buns).
Your best option is to make your own mayonnaise. It’s easier than you think! Learn how I make mayonnaise in this post. That way you can put as much mayonnaise in your deviled eggs as you like, and feel good about eating them.
Deviled eggs are a great choice because the combination of protein and fat will keep you full and satisfied, making it easier to turn down those mini quiches and cheesecake bites.
They’re also a cinch to make!
Merry Christmas!
5 from 1 reviews
Deviled Eggs 101
Learn how to make delicious and healthy deviled eggs that are guilt free!
Author: Alison
Serves: 24
Ingredients
1 dozen eggs, hardboiled (learn how to properly hard boil eggs here)
¼- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade (Learn how to make homemade mayo here)
1- 2 Tbsp. mustard
2-3 tsp. dill pickle relish
¼-1/2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste
paprika or dill (optional garnish)
Instructions
Split hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise, cutting through only the white so that the yolk can be "popped" out.
Pop yolks into a gallon sized plastic bag
Add mustard, relish, ¼ tsp salt, a few dashes of freshly ground pepper and enough mayonnaise to make the mixture come together.
Using the bag, squish the contents to mix.
Taste, and add more of any ingredient to achieve desired flavor.
Continue to mix/squish contents until desired consistency is achieved.
Squish contents into one corner of the bag.
Snip off ¼ inch of the corner (remember you can always snip more, but not less!)
Squeeze yolk mixture into each egg white.
Sprinkle with paprika (the traditional choice) or, my favorite, dill (dried is fine) and chill.
Serve
Notes
Deviled eggs are not the easiest thing to transport. However if you want to make your life easier, simply bring the egg whites and filling separately and fill them right before serving. Of course there are specialty deviled egg holders as well.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 2357 Fat: 253g Saturated fat: 40g Unsaturated fat: 207g Trans fat: 1g Carbohydrates: 9g Sugar: 7g Sodium: 3544mg Fiber: 2g Protein: 11g Cholesterol: 325mg
3.2.2807
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