During these holidays, many people gain at least half a kilo, which later takes a long time to lose. As we know the beauty of Christmas and New Year lies, in part, in their food, we don’t want you to stop eating them, we just want you to moderate your consumption and make better decisions.

These 8 tips will help you stay healthy and ensure that you return from your vacation without extra kilos; We include a recipe for you to put into practice and share with your loved ones, a very delicious and nutritious option:

1. Watch the portions

Go ahead and eat what you crave so much, don’t be afraid; just keep the serving size in mind. To determine the right size, look on food labels for the serving size as well as the calories each serving contains.

If you can’t access the label, resort to the more reliable method: serve the food on small plates.

2. Be aware of what you eat

The stress that comes with these dates leads you to eat whatever is within your reach, which is often junk food. People who eat distractedly are more likely to overeat because they can’t pay attention when their body is trying to tell them it’s full.

To avoid distractions, stay away from your cell phone and computer. It also helps if you eat slowly and chew your food well. This way you can tell when you are satisfied.

3. Balance the meal with protein

Christmas meals are commonly high in carbohydrates but lack protein. Try to include them, as they can reduce calorie intake and reduce hunger and appetite. Likewise, it increases metabolism.

4. Don’t forget about fiber

Fiber is another important nutrient that induces a sense of satisfaction. In fact, including it in foods reduces total calorie intake and therefore prevents weight gain. Unfortunately, there are not many typical foods this season that contain it; For this reason, we recommend that you take separate portions of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

5. Cut down on the ‘trials’

It is common that, when cooking and baking during this season, we have to taste the dishes or ‘clean up’ the remains of the bread mixture. This can lead to weight gain as you increase the calories you normally consume.

You don’t have to stop doing these tests, just moderate them. Instead of taking two bites or spoonfuls, limit yourself to one. Also make sure you’re not hungry while cooking, as it’s much easier to give in to temptation when your stomach is empty.

6. Limit liquid calories

At these parties, alcohol is essential, right? Not only as a tool for coexistence but as an ingredient in many dishes and desserts. Unfortunately, these drinks provide a significant amount of sugar and calories, and many of them increase appetite. If it is possible for you. If you want to maintain your weight, reduce your consumption; and if possible, avoid it.

7. Reduce calories in recipes

Excessive calorie consumption is the main cause of weight gain during the holidays. However, there are many things you can do to reduce them, especially if you are going to cook:

If you are going to bake

Replace the butter with applesauce, mashed banana, or mashed pumpkin.

Instead of sugar, use a low-calorie sweetener, such as stevia, erythritol, or xylitol.

Add nuts instead of chocolate chips or candy.

If you are going to cook

Flavor dishes with herbs and spices instead of butter.

Instead of frying, bake, steam, or grill.

Replace heavy cream with low-fat or skim milk.

Replace cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

If you are going to prepare drinks:

Use mineral water or calorie-free soft drinks instead of sweetened drinks.

Use lemon instead of sugar. If the drink contains milk, add cinnamon or natural sweetener.

For milk-based drinks, use skim or low-fat.

8. Bring a healthy dish to share

If you don’t have control over the food being served, you can always bring a healthy dish to share. We share with you an example of a healthy recipe for you to take to your Christmas or New Year’s party, courtesy of Cuídate Plus:

Tomato and goat cheese souffle

Ingredients:

5 eggs

3 large tomatoes

2 tubes of goat cheese

Salt and pepper

Basil and dried thyme

Elaboration

Soufflé is a very simple and light French recipe that can be served as a main dish or accompanied by salads, meats, etc. It has a very mild flavor and texture and usually has cheese and a bechamel-style sauce, based on flour and butter. This version does not contain this sauce, so it provides fewer calories but retains its flavor. In addition, it is suitable for celiacs, vegetarians, and people with high cholesterol.

This recipe requires about three tomatoes, two tubes of goat cheese, eggs, and herbs like basil and thyme. The preparation is very simple, but it requires an hour to set.

To start, wash and cut the tomatoes into slices and the goat cheese into medium-thick slices. In the container, place a layer of tomatoes and another layer of cheese on top of it, until the entire mold is filled, including the edges. You can add a little salt to the tomato layers.

To make the soufflé, take the eggs separate the whites from the yolks, and beat them to the point of nougat, that is until the mixture sticks to the container without falling. It can be done manually or with an electric mixer; If you add a little salt it will be easier. Add salt, a pinch of pepper thyme, and basil to the yolks and beat them. Gently incorporate the egg whites, mix everything, and add it to the container so that it covers all the ingredients. The amount of eggs you use will vary depending on the size of the container and how many layers of tomato and cheese you have placed. Season with thyme and basil to taste.

With the oven preheated, put the container in and leave it for about 45 minutes at 200°. Do not open the oven during cooking as the soufflé may collapse. You’ll know the soufflé is ready when you insert a metal fork into it and it comes out clean. A little water will likely be released when cooked. Before serving, drain it carefully.

At Hospital San Ángel Inn we care about your health. If you want guidance on weight control, undergo a medical check-up and our doctors will guide you so that you return from your vacation looking incredible. You can do it!