The holidays are a time for eating – lots of eating – followed by weight gain and a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. But why not take a healthier approach to what and how we eat during this holiday season?
Registered Dietitian Angela Wallace talks mindful eating over the holidays & healthy dessert options. (Recipes below).
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1D8G66Rtc” width=”500″ height=”300″]
Recipes
Spiced Honey Pecans
3 cups, whole pecans
3 tbsp. honey
1/4-1/2 tsp. chili powder (or cinnamon)
Sprinkle of black pepper
Sautee pecans with honey, chili powder, and black pepper in a medium heated skillet for 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring and allow the mixture to thicken.
Spread onto a greased pan evenly and let it cool completely.
Serve with dark chocolate chunks, fruit, or in your favourite holiday salad.
Warning: it’s impossible to eat just one. They are that good!
Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bark
1 cup dark chocolate (I used 70%)
1 + 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds (or crushed pistachios)
1/2 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. You can also use a pot with boiling water and place a glass bowl on top to melt the chocolate (just make sure the glass bowl isn’t touching the water, it should be hovering above).
Once melted mix half the seeds, almonds, and coconut into the chocolate.
Spread mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the remaining seeds, coconut, and almonds on top.
Place baking sheet in fridge for 3-4 hours to allow chocolate to harden.
Cut into your desired size bark pieces and enjoy!
Angela Wallace is a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and holds a Bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition and a Master’s degree in applied human nutrition. She is also a certified personal trainer who has additional training in kickboxing, barre, and pilates. Angela practices in Caledon and Vaughan, Ontario. She also offers services online.