3 Holiday Treats

 
The holiday season is back and you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time under the Christmas tree with friends, eating all kinds of Christmas treats. Unfortunately, attending too many holiday parties can lead to frustrating results like gaining weight and losing the contour you achieved with plastic surgery. This year try snacking smarter by choosing healthier holiday desserts options when possible so that you don’t undo any work from surgery. Reduce holiday baking to a minimum and instead choose the healthy dessert options we have prepared for you in this article.

Holiday Treat: Baked Apples With Cinnamonnnamon

Baked apples are a sensible treat any time of year, but adding cinnamon to them will remind you of Christmas. To prepare this tasty treat — which is a good source of fiber and several vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E — core an apple, keeping the bottom intact. You can add spices, such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, and a touch of honey or agave nectar to the empty core. Bake them in an oven that’s been preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 45 minutes. These seasonal treats are not just tasty — they smell like your mom’s kitchen on Christmas Day.

Holiday Treat: Dark Chocolate

Instead of reaching for another Christmas cookie, try snacking on one or two squares of dark chocolate. Unlike the empty calories in many cakes and cookies, dark chocolate that is comprised of at least 75-percent cacao contains antioxidant qualities that help fight the free radicals roaming around inside our bodies. Dark chocolate also contains fiber, iron, magnesium, and several other nutrients. Not to mention, dark chocolate has been shown to provide cardiovascular health benefits. Just make sure to enjoy this treat in moderation.

Holiday Treat: Air-Popped Popcorn

Most people have fallen victim to the multi-gallon tin of popcorn that can be purchased in many drug stores around the holidays, at one time or another. You promise yourself that you will only eat a handful of the caramel- and cheese-laden popcorn, only to find that you have consumed about a gallon of the stale snack in one sitting. This year, try air-popping your own popcorn for a healthier snack option.

Air-popped popcorn is a good source of fiber, which regulates digestion and helps keep you feeling satisfied. Also, by popping your own popcorn, you can be sure that no chemicals were added to your snack, as is often the case with microwaveable popcorn. If you love chocolate-covered popcorn, make sure to use dark chocolate and keep your servings small.

For added flavor, sprinkle on a dash of truffle salt or some parsley and paprika. Cumin also makes an interesting addition to air-popped popcorn. You can even wrap up several of your homemade flavors in individually sized holiday gift bags to give away as presents.

Need Help Contouring Your Figure?

IIf you have tried to exercise and snack on healthy food items this holiday season, but cannot seem to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat or loose skin around your abdomen or other areas, contact South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery for help. Our plastic surgeons offer a range of body contouring treatment options that will help you look great for the New Year.

To schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, contact the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery by calling (954) 565-7575.