SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE  A HUGE DIFFERENCE

SOMEBODY in your family or circle of friends has to make the first attempt at making small changes for a healthier holiday.

So, my friends, here are my tips, suggestions and secrets for making a healthier holiday happen.

 

Recipe is from my Holiday Deliciousness Cookbook. It is not too  late to receive your free download of this wonderful cookbook! Simply sign up at www.mitzibeach.com

If you are tired of undoing all your hard work of losing weight during the holidays, start this season incorporating a few new ways to prepare holiday yummy foods. 

As Nike says, “Just do it!” Everyone will feel better whether they will admit it or not. And with January just around the corner, why not give yourself and others an advantage  with your weight and health goals for the upcoming year?

 

1. Most important is to plan ahead if you want to make some small UNNOTICEABLE changes.

When pushed into just getting it done and making it all happen, it’s too late to start doing things differently.

For example, you’ll find in my coolbook, my recipe I created for a super tasty twice baked potatoe.  Without the tons of butter, cheese, and sour cream,  no one will suspect it is super healthy compared to the normal twice baked potatoe. BUT, you must plan for this tweak in your menu in order to shop for these ingredients that you may not have in your frig.

Get your menus done now for all that is coming up in the next couple weeks. I do a big picture plan that can be tweaked as events get closer. You will give yourself the gift of a peaceful spirit by at least knowing what you are going to be doing. This is my personal priceless gift to myself.  When I know what I will be serving, I can almost sense my relief from not doing that spin of indecision.

 

Check out this healthier twice baked potato recipe from Yummy Healthy Easy blog.

2. Make it pretty.

One of my best tricks to enhance/upgrade the very simplest of foods is to serve them in lovely dishes. With all the sales and outlets now for reasonable tableware, this is easy and fun to accomplish.

Check out these adorable Christmas themed serving dishes by Williams Sonoma. You can check them out here. They’re even on sale!

These mixing bowls from William Sonoma are festive and pretty enough to display your delicious dishes! Check them out here. 

3. Make it taste good.

Sounds obvious for sure, but nothing is gained with a healthy dish that no one likes or will eat. Use tested and reliable sources for your recipes or ideas.

Again, by you looking at my  free download for my Holiday Deliciousness Cookbook, would definitely inspire you for healthy, but oh so delicious, holiday cooking.

4. Do not call it healthy!

Enough said 🙂

5. Set a beautiful table.

Here is an simple but effective tablesetting

A more time consuming tablesetting but it was so appreciated. It made the meal feel more special and enjoyable.

This is SO important really, and whether you agree or not, it is noticed and appreciated and makes any food a special experience. Use candles, place mats, tablecloths, flowers, etc., but give it some thought ahead of time and you will reap the rewards of your efforts!

6. Use fresh ingredients when possible.

An example would be fresh parsley, real cream, or fresh parmesean not what comes in a can! The difference is not only in the taste but in the color. Fresh green beans, fresh fruit salad, freshly baked rolls… you get the idea.

Roasted fresh veggies are yummy and healthier minus the mushroom or chicken soup or lots of cheeses.

7. Get out of your comfort zone and try some new ideas.

 

8. Of course, keep some of your “sacred traditions.”

 

9. Don’t make a big deal out of changing anything.

 

10.  Tactfully give suggestions or even a recipe for those offering to bring a dish to your holiday meal or gathering.

I have done this for years, and most often, it is met with a sigh of relief for those not having to come up with something out of the blue. Most people like suggestions. Of course, there are always going to be those that just have to have their thing, and so be it!

So there you have it… my thoughts and ideas on cooking smarter this holiday season. What a true gift you will be giving those you love. You will be giving the gift of a healthier meal even with only a few small changes..

By you appreciating the beautiful experience in sharing an intentionally “designed” holiday celebration meal,  you’ll be giving a truly a priceless gift that will last way beyond these wonderful holiday celebrations.

Speaking of gifts, you all that support me and follow continue to bless me year round with your gift of giving me your time and attention to my blog posts. Thank you to each and everyone of you that are subscribed to my site. XOXO!

Living and Loving life together,

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