Boost holiday health in the kitchen.

No need to feel guilty about indulging in foods that are commonly served this
time of year, in fact, many of them can make you healthier.

Still not convinced?
Read on for more details.

a) Green Bean Casserole-
A must-have veggie at many tables this time of year and you’re concerned about
keeping your heart in tip-top shape and losing hair, (thinning on top) then you have
to eat your green beans.
Just 2 cups a week can help prevent damaging blood-vessel inflammation and
risky clots, reducing your risk of heart disease by 35%, Green beans contain minerals
silicon and manganese. These 2 minerals are also helpful in preventing thinning hair.
Important tip:
Most foods can benefit us in some way, but when you add things like extra butter,
bacon grease or sugar, you take away the positive benefits and make it something
harmful, so make sure to use top notch ingredients when making green beans or
any of the other foods listed below.

b) Eggnog-
You may have read our past post on the benefits of Eggnog, but if you didn’t and
are wondering if it (eggnog) can do you some good, the answer is yes.
The egg yolks protect delicate eye tissues, reducing your risk of age-related vision
loss by 40%. The milk, helps build and keep bones strong and the nutmeg, is
a natural sleep-aid. So yes, eggnog (a cup or two) is good for you.

c) Candy Canes-
If you overdo the Christmas dinner, then you know what may happen
next: bloating, indigestion and an upset stomach. Before reaching for an over-the-
counter med, try candy canes. Menthol, the compound that gives peppermint its
wonderful aroma, stimulates production of digestion-enhancing bile, plus it helps
intestinal muscles function more efficiently.
Quick tip: Some people enjoy eating a candy cane after a meal or taking a few candy
canes and placing them in a pot of boiling water, turning off the heat and allowing the
candy to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then they just drink a cup (or two) of candy cane tea.

d) Chestnuts-
You love the holidays and all of the nuts that you’ll be able to eat, (pistachios, walnuts
and almonds) but you don’t love the extra calories or the inevitable weight gain.
No problem- trade in those other nuts for the rarely used Chestnuts.
Chestnuts contain a trio of nutrients- manganese, copper and good fats, and combined
they shut down your appetite while revving up your metabolism.
Researchers say eat about 4 to 6 a day and you’ll sail through the Christmas season
without gaining an pound.

e) WIne-
Another win for that glass of wine, it too, like chestnuts, shuts down your appetite and
cuts your risk of brain fog by 50%. Special antioxidants in red wine help your brain
absorb energizing glucose.

f) Christmas Cookies-
Avoiding all sweets this holiday season? Well, it may make you binge later on.
Setting aside a cookie or two for later on (with your tea or coffee) can help you
in the long run, especially if you’re trying to lose and maintain your weight.
Always depriving yourself only make the cravings stronger, so go ahead and
have 1 to 3 cookies at night during the Christmas holiday.

g) Mashed Potatoes-
Some women (and men) now make mashed potatoes with cauliflower and if
you do this, remember potatoes, can cut your colon-cancer risk by 20%.
Potatoes are packed with chlorogenic acid, a compound that inactivates
carcinogens in the digestive tract.
And if your blood pressure is a little high, eat more baked potatoes (with the skin on)
to bring it down. Potatoes, especially the skins, are loaded with potassium, a mineral
that helps wash sodium (the culprit) out of your system.
Important tip:
Remember the warning in the first post, adding a lot of unnecessary calories and fillers
to any food can negate its health benefits. So, eat your mashed potatoes with a small
amount of organic butter, spices (sea salt, pepper, turmeric,) skim milk or chicken
broth and garlic, but leave out the bacon bits, sour cream, margarine and high-fat milk.

h) Roast Beef-
If beef is a dirty word in your household, read this and perhaps you’ll change your mind.
Good quality beef served 2 to 3 times a week can actually boost your moods.
Roast beef, steak, grass-fed burgers and beef brisket are loaded with vitamin B-12
and all nine essential amino acids- nutrients that together cut your risk of blue moods,
irritability and anxiety by a whopping 55%.
And if cholesterol is a concern, people who eat beef and other complementary foods,
salads, veggies and fruits, have the same cholesterol levels as those who limit themselves
to chicken and fish.

That’s it- Your Christmas menu for better overall health.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* Journal of Nutrition and Cancer
* Alan Hirsh, M.D.
* Journal of Women’s Health
* German Researchers
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One last reminder- To all of the last-minute Christmas shoppers, if you need advice on buying
last-minute gifts that cost less than $100.00, visit our store, (just click on the buy button
at the top of this blog) and download the E-Doc, The Procrastinator’s Guide To Buying Last-
Minute Christmas Gifts. Also available at Amazon.com/the kindle store, under the same title.