Warm up! You deserve it!
As the weather turns, and our nights get colder, we at Maxim Hygiene wanted to help you warm you up by compiling a list of some foods that will keep you warm this holiday season despite the chilly wind blowing at your window panes.
Well, let’s start with the obvious. Hot Cocoa! Why hot cocoa and not hot chocolate? Well, hot cocoa’s got the same great taste and is not only less caloric, but it’s rich in health benefits. Research shows that cocoa consumption may decrease blood pressure and improve cholesterol! How’s that for a cup of tasty cocoa! Here’s a great healthy recipe to try. Ok, now that we’ve got our simple drink down, let’s get a bit more complicated.
Along with that cup of hot cocoa, what’s better than a bowl of steamy Oatmeal, light brown sugar sprinkled delicately over lite apple cinnamon goodness? At a little over 100 calories, this meal could prove an excellent addition to your winter diet. Plus, oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which means it’s better for your digestive system and heart. I’d go for a bowl of oatmeal over a bowl of ice cream any day, especially in the winter time.
And now for everyone’s favorite….veggies!!! As a side dish, I sometimes will cook up a bowl of Steamed Broccoli and gladly skip the cheese for a lighter and healthier alternative dressing…Light Garlic and Oil. Besides its obviously healthy façade, it’s also very delicious. At less than 100 calories, with low in saturated fat, and a great source of protein and many of the vitamins your need, steamed broccoli is always a healthy alternative to chips and dip. With a little EVOO, as Rachel Ray calls Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and garlic, this dish turns into a delicacy. Enjoy!
Any soup is a really good idea to keep you warm as well, and my favorite is split pea. Make sure to look for a low sodium option, but if you’re salt addict like me feel free to add a few saltines and a bit of pepper and you’ll be in snack heaven. A great recipe I found online with a little healthy substitutions and reductions can be found here. I’m not the best cook, but this was the best split pea I’ve ever tasted.
Last but not least, let’s talk about desert. How can you live without something sweet? It might not be the best for you, but the best cake I’ve made for this season is the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Orange Glaze. It’s a bit high in calories at 279 calories per serving, but it’s a way healthier alternative to that chocolate cake you have sitting in your fridge! Try it out! It’s fun to bake, and it’s also seasonally delicious. Bring it to your Thanksgiving get-together, and you’ll be the talk of the party. Recipe: HERE. It even has the nutritional facts on the website so you can tell people how healthy they’re being by avoiding the mud cake and eating your dish. It’ll be gone in a second!
Now, you can warm up, eat right, and enjoy the winter season. I know what I’ll be cooking up for my Maxim Hygiene’s holiday party. Tell us what you’re bringing to your Thanksgiving party below. It’s about putting the right things in your body! At least, that’s what we believe at Maxim Hygiene.