8 Perfectly Decorated Holiday Kitchens

Because today is not only the start of Christmas holidays, but also the end of Hanukkah, we at I am not going to tell you to get your fitness and health goals on track—that’s for next week. Instead I am going to let you sit back and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones while I show you my favorite 8 holiday kitchens and dining areas that are perfectly decorated for the occasion. Does your kitchen give these a run for their money? Comment with a photo of your holiday décor below!

Health & Fitness: Healthy Versions of Holiday Drinks

Health & Fitness: Healthy Versions of Holiday Drinks: We love the holidays, but when it comes to holiday drinks, most aren’t even remotely healthy. I have trimmed back the calories and the added...

Healthy Versions of Holiday Drinks

We love the holidays, but when it comes to holiday drinks, most aren’t even remotely healthy. I have trimmed back the calories and the added sugars in these recipes so you can enjoy your favorite holiday flavors without the guilt. Let me know what you think in the comments! Happy Holidays From Parris Fitness

Holiday Eggnog
Try this lighter version of eggnog that’s all-natural, all vegan, and all yum.  Here is the recipe

Try this lighter version of eggnog that’s all-natural, all vegan, and all yum.

Total Time: 9 hrs. 15 min.
Prep Time: 9 hrs. 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
4 cups raw almonds
Filtered water for soaking almonds
8 cups filtered water
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup raw almond butter
1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 tsp. rum extract (or to taste)**
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves

Preparation:
1. Soak almonds overnight in water.
2. Rinse and drain soaked almonds.
3. Place soaked almonds and 6 cups of filtered water in blender or food processor (may need to do in 2 batches). Blend on highest speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Strain milk through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth; discard solids.*
5. Place almond milk back into blender; add almond butter, extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Blend for 30 seconds; pour into large pitcher with cover.
7. Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Tips:
1. *Solids can be dried out in the oven at a low temperature (225° F) and used as almond flour in baking recipes.
2. **You can hold off on the rum extract if you think the kids won’t like it, and then add a few drops to your individual glass of eggnog.
3. Vegan eggnog can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Peppermint Mocha Chiller

Get the flavor of chocolate and peppermint with this yummy Shakeology recipe made with brewed coffee. Here is the recipe.

Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
½ cup brewed coffee, chilled
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
½ tsp. pure peppermint extract
1 cup ice

Preparation:
1. Place coffee, almond milk, Shakeology, extract, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Vanilla Nog Shakeology
This recipe lets you enjoy a healthy twist on eggnog and your Shakeology all in one! Here is the recipe.  Eggnog is delicious, but also loaded with fat. Try this healthier version that will still have you feeling festive.

Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
½ cup nonfat milk
½ cup water
1 tsp. rum extract
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup ice

Preparation:
1. Place milk, water, extract, Shakeology, nutmeg, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Gingerbread Man Shakeology
A touch of ginger and cinnamon turns Shakeology into a festive treat!. Here is the recipe

Satisfy your cravings for a holiday dessert with this tasty yet healthy cinnamon-ginger spiced treat.

Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
1/2 cup nonfat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 scoop  Chocolate Shakelogy
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup ice

1. Place milk, extract, Shakeology, ginger, cinnamon, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Peppermint Mocha Latte

Why buy one when you can easily make your own for half the calories?

 

Come the holiday season, I love peppermint mocha lattes. But, they’re full of a ton of additives. The ingredients of the Starbucks version (my personal favorite) are: espresso, milk, mocha sauce (corn syrup, water, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, cocoa (processed with alkali 13%), potassium sorbate, artificial flavor), and peppermint-flavored syrup (sugar, water, natural flavors, preservative, sodium benzoate, citric acid), whipped cream, and dark chocolate.

Calories in one Tall nonfat Peppermint Mocha Latte with no whip (add 70 calories and 7 grams of fat for whip):

Hmm. This prompted me to ask our incredible nutritionists to whip up their own version. I couldn’t be happier, and I think you’ll love it too. If you swap almond milk for nonfat milk and leave out the honey, you can enjoy it vegan.

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 5 min.
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
½ cup nonfat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp. raw honey (optional)
¼ tsp. pure peppermint extract
1 cup brewed black coffee (or 1 shot espresso)
1 fresh mint leaf (for garnish; optional)

Preparation:
1. Bring milk, cocoa powder, and honey (if desired), and peppermint extract to a boil in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat; mix vigorously with a whisk until frothy.
3. Pour coffee into a large serving mug; top with milk mixture.
4. Garnish with mint leaf if desired.

Here’s the nutrition details for the vegan version:

Gingerbread Granola

This seasonal recipe for gingerbread granola is perfect if you want a little treat. It’s especially good on top of yogurt. Just 58 calories.

Total Time: 1 hr. 10 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Yield: 30 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

Ingredients:
2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup slivered almonds
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1¼ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
¼ cup molasses
3 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 300° F.
2. Line baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Combine oats, almonds, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine molasses, oil, and applesauce in a small saucepan; cook, over low heat, stirring continuously, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until oil has melted.
5. Pour molasses mixture over oat mixture; mix until oats are evenly coated.
6. Place on prepared baking pan; spread evenly in a thin layer.
7. Bake for 50 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, or until granola is light golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool granola completely (it will get more crisp as it cools).
9. Store in an airtight container.

7 Healthy Hanukkah Recipes

Hanukkah is just around the corner and this year, we have compiled 8 recipes to enjoy as you celebrate the Festival of Lights. From latkes and roasted root veggies to salmon and quinoa, we encourage you to try these easy, healthy recipes this holiday season.

Oven-Poached Salmon
Poaching salmon guarantees succulent results every time. Get the recipe




Winter Greens with Garlicky Vinaigrette
Winter greens have a ton of peppery flavor. We paired them with a garlicky Caesar-inspired dressing that you can make with or without anchovies.  Get the recipe





Baked Cauliflower Latkes
This healthy baked cauliflower latke recipe will help you cut back on calories during holiday festivities. Get the recipe




Roasted Winter Vegetables
Roasting winter vegetables makes them sweeter and even more delicious.  Get the recipe.




Quinoa with Pistachios and Dried Cherries
Dried cherries and pistachios taste great together in this colorful side dish. It’s festive for a holiday meal, and makes great leftovers!  Get the recipe




Braised Kale
This hearty winter greens dish is is a great side dish for any savory meal. It’s loaded with vitamin K, and is an excellent source of vitamin C.  Get the recipe.




Whitefish with Tomato Salsa
This flaky white fish is easy to make and high in protein. Cooking it with fresh tomatoes and herbs gives it tons of flavor.   Get the recipe.

Chocolate Peppermint Muffins

Indulge your sweet tooth with these minty chocolate muffins made from good-for-you ingredients.

Total Time: 22 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 12 min.
Yield: 12 servings, 1 muffin each

Ingredients:
1 (15-oz) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
3 large eggs
½ cup raw honey
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
½ tsp. pure peppermint extract

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare 12 muffin cups by lining with muffin papers or coating with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
3. Place chickpeas, eggs, honey, cocoa powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and extract in blender or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.
4. Place batter in a medium bowl.
5. Divide batter among 12 prepared muffin cups.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely and enjoy!

Make healthy holiday cookies with Shakeology (Great for Xmas Eve!)

Mmmmmmmm, cookies. They’re sweet. They’re delicious. They make your taste buds incredibly happy. So what’s not to love about cookies? Oh that’s right, you might not love that most cookies pack on the pounds due to the fact they’re loaded with all things naughty, not nice.

But we said “MOST COOKIES” are bad for you, not “ALL” cookies. Especially if they are healthy holiday cookies made withShakeology.

So this holiday season, treat yourself, and all of your family and friends, to some healthy holiday cookies that will put smiles on everyone’s faces without putting flab on their frames.

Shakeology Nutty No-Bake Cookies

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None

What You Need:

• 1 cup all-natural almond butter
• 1 tsp pure almond extract
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• ½ cup raw honey
• 1 cup Chocolate Shakeology

What You Do:

1. Combine almond butter, almond extract, oats, honey, and Shakeology in a medium bowl

2. Mix together with your hands and roll mixture into twenty four balls, each about 1-inch in size.

3. Flatten each slightly so that it is shaped like a traditional cookie.

4. Optional to chop walnuts and sprinkle on top for a nice healthy garnish

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour

If you want to really get on Santa’s “nice” list, instead of leaving him a glass of milk alongside his plate of Shakeology cookies, whip up a shake to help wash the cookies down. Not only will it give him that extra oomph he needs to deliver gifts all over the world in one night, it’ll help curb his cravings for junk which will eventually help turn his “bowl full of jelly” into a lean and mean six-pack.

And if you don’t believe in Santa (wait, what?) you can still leave these Shakeology treats out over the holidays, because chances are, someone will devour them in no time.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 114
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg
• Sodium: 11 mg
• Carbohydrate: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Protein: 5 g

10 Ways to Ward Off Excess Holiday Pounds

Do you find that the scale moves up a few pounds during this time of the year? During summertime, we’re focused on our bodies, given we know we’ll be wearing the revealing clothing that goes with that season, but when fall and winter come around, that mindset falls away like autumn leaves. Maybe it’s our primitive instinct to bulk up when the weather gets colder; it probably also has a lot to do with our busy holiday shopping and social schedules interfering with our regular workouts, and with all the tasty holiday treats lying in wait to tempt us everywhere we turn, regardless. But don’t let the layers of clothing become layers of fat. Follow these tips to stay healthier and fitter this holiday season.

1. Travel smart. 

Many people find themselves traveling during the holiday season, but that’s not an excuse to eat unhealthily and avoid exercise. Plan your meals in advance, and pack snacks when you are either on the road or in the air. Good travel snacks can include nuts or dried fruit. To help you be a happier traveler, get a good night sleep before you leave to increase your mood and alertness. Eating a heavy meal before traveling can make you sleepy, so eat a small, low-fat meal before you head out the door.

2. ZZZZZZZ.

Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and get a full night’s rest as often as you can. If you fail to get a good night sleep, it can affect your immune system and make you grumpy the next day. No one wants to travel with a grouchy person, so do everyone a favor and get some shut eye. Sleeping well can also help you reduce your calorie consumption, because it inhibits the release of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin while promoting the release of leptin, another hormone that limits hunger. And keeping that hunger in check is a good idea when you find yourself surrounded by holiday goodies.

3. Hydration station. 

Staying hydrated is important in our daily life and becomes even more important when you’re stressed, as can so often happen during the busy holiday season. Stress can have a negative effect on your immune system. Drinking plenty of water can help by flushing toxins out of your body. For that very reason, choosing water instead of holiday beverages like eggnog and hot spiced cider is especially important, even though it can be challenging.

4. Caution with cocktails.

With the holidays comes the drinking of alcohol, so make sure you have at least one glass of water in between each drink. Remember that one gram of alcohol contains seven calories, and yet it yields virtually no energy or health benefits. Calories from alcohol can add up quickly, so be mindful of how much you are drinking. If you do indulge in eggnog, which is super-high in calories in its traditional form, try making it with fat-free half-and-half substitute mixed with fat-free milk, and ditch the egg yolks for egg whites. Also, drinking may reduce inhibitions under the mistletoe, which is good, but it also reduces inhibition at the dessert buffet, which is bad.

5. Fighting temptation. 

The holidays are filled with temptation, and it’s your job to stop it in its tracks. Holiday parties can be troublesome with the surplus of fatty foods and beverages. You might be unaware of how much you are consuming and might eat because it is there, rather than eating because you are actually hungry. Eat a healthy meal before you go out, so you’re less tempted to munch on empty calories. Be aware of what you are putting into your body, whether it’s cocktails or shrimp cocktails. The office can also be a place where temptation lurks. Try to avoid going into the break room and grabbing those cakes, cookies, and other holiday dishes and treats people leave lying around at this time of year. Be the first in your office to bring in a fruit or veggie platter or other healthy choice to share. And if you are having a chocolate craving that just won’t go away, throw a banana in the blender with some Chocolate Shakeology®, nonfat milk, and ice, and you’ll be back on track.

6. ‘Tis the season for lots of television.  

Holiday movies, shows, and sporting events are in abundance during this time of the year. While you’re watching TV, make time during commercials to do some exercises that do not require any equipment. Remember some of the exercises you do from P90X® or any other Beachbody® workout program? Good. Apply those techniques and do some of those routines during the commercial breaks. Other options can range from standing up during some of the program to sitting on a stability ball (which uses more muscles than just sitting down on the couch) to doing jumping jacks, lunges, or ab work and beyond. Be creative and fight the flab that can come with being a couch potato.

7. Make recipes healthier. 

Most recipes can be made healthier without compromising the recipe. Think more whole grains—and less sugar, fats, and salt—while cooking, and make sure that there are mostly healthy dishes to outweigh the naughty ones. Use the half plate rule—half of your plate should be filled with veggies or fruit. Healthy food that’s good to incorporate into your meals includes: white meat turkey (limit the gravy), sweet potatoes, cranberries, pomegranates, pumpkin, pecans, collard greens (limit the fat), nutmeg, cinnamon, and red wine. These items can spice up any meal while making it healthier and more delicious. Please don’t fall into the mentality trap of thinking that if you exercise, that allows you to eat whatever you want. Try nutritious new recipes and be both creative and healthy with your culinary experiences. An example, you ask? How about two? Scroll down to see two holiday treats: Gingerbread Man Shakeology and Apple-Raisin Coffee Cake.

 8. Out of sight, out of mind. 

When food is placed on the dining table, it’s much easier to grab a second helping. So make it harder: Keep the extra food away from the dining room. If you leave it in the kitchen, out of sight, it forces everyone to think about getting up to grab another helping. Here’s a tip: If you still feel hungry after your first plate, wait for 15 minutes and drink a full glass of water, then decide whether you want more food.

9. Eat smaller amounts more often.  

Instead of starving yourself all day so you can overindulge in that one, giant meal, have smaller meals throughout the day. I know that at family holiday gatherings in particular, it’s asking too much to resist the lavish aromas of the kitchen, so limiting your portion sizes is important. Have a little bit of everything while preparing the meal throughout the day, then eat a sensibly sized portion when dinner rolls around. If you’re still hungry after that, then eat more vegetables and fruit.

 10. Stay active. 

Regular exercise can help with so many of the challenges you face during the holiday season. It helps you cope with the stress of traveling, because exercising releases endorphins that help boost your mood and energy. At the airport, if you have time, walk beside those moving sidewalks instead of standing and letting them carry you to your terminal. During your flight, walk up the aisles as much as possible without making the other passengers crazy, or do shoulder, abdominal, calf, ankle, or foot exercises while you’re seated. If you’re traveling by car, take frequent breaks, get out of the car, walk around, and get some fresh air. If you’re staying home for the holidays, get the family involved! Depending on the climate, go ice skating, hiking, sledding, skiing, biking, surfing, or walking the dog. And go for a walk together after your big meal—it’ll help you all digest better.