Just before Thanksgiving, wellness and nutrition experts on the morning news programs were warning viewers to beware of the 7 additional pounds of weight they would gain between Thanksgiving and the start of the New Year.
Cookies and candies that appear just once a year, holiday parties with rich foods, thick hot drinks and cold cocktails and punch, along with extra stress and often less sleep, all combine to make this eating season a hotbed for weight gain.
I decided I didn’t want to be one of the average Americans who find their waistline a bit larger when 2011 comes around.
My ammunition for holding back those extra 7 pounds? A morning smoothie.
I have the same protein and fruit smoothie just about every morning. Unsweetened juice gets the concoction started. I use either cranberry or pomegranate. Then, I cut up a whole organic lemon, skin and all, into large chunks and toss that into the juice in the blender. Ground flax seeds join a big scoop of Tera’s Whey protein powder. My favorite protein powder of the several offerings from this Wisconsin-based company is the organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla whey protein powder. Finally, I toss in some frozen organic strawberries and blueberries. Whirl it all together and drink up. I feel full and satisfied for hours after gulping down the big smoothie.
In the evenings when I start craving a bowl of popcorn, one of my favorite winter snacks, I pop some up. Rather than dousing the popped corn with melted butter, I use lime olive oil that I purchase from Vinaigrette in Minneapolis. Lime olive oil, drizzled over the popcorn, then sprinkled with hot cayenne pepper is a more healthful route to go. I feel full and quite satisfied after that snack with no desire to grab holiday cookies or candy.
So far my tactics are working. There are still a few more holiday celebrations to get through and lots of tempting foods to nibble and taste rather than gobble.
If I have a holiday party to attend in the evening, I have my smoothie later in the day so that I’m still feeling satisfied when I face the food and drink. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps, too.
This is not just a holiday time smoothie for me. I drink this breakfast in a glass all year long.
But, this time of year, I make sure I never run out of the ingredients. Seven pounds? No thank you.
Holiday Survival Smoothie
- 1/2 cup unsweetened pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 organic lemon, washed
- 1 scoop whey protein powder
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds, ground
- 4 frozen organic strawberries
- 1 cup frozen organic blueberries
Put all ingredients in blender in order they are listed. Blend until smooth. Makes one breakfast serving.
Tip from the cook
- I have an electric coffee grinder that I use only for grinding flax seeds and dried herbs and spices.
I discovered last summer that I was ‘fat’ by French standards (although I was right in the middle of the weight chart by American standards). I lost 12 lbs and am approaching the middle of the French weight chart (4 more to go). I am very, very determined not to gain weight this season – losing was WAY to much effort! LOL I like your smoothie – I’m guessing it’s nicely tart and I do love tart.
Meatballs look pretty darn good, as well!
Oh, Katie, I understand it is hard work to lose 12 pounds. Good for you! This smoothie is nice and tart and thick and full of goodness. I just feel more healthy and energetic after drinking it each day. Merry Christmas, skinny!
i was looking for the muffins golean recipe that was on this site but it says the page can not be found, my mom loves them, please help
You should be able to get to the Muffins Go Lean post now, Rob. Here’s the link:
I’m so glad your mom enjoys these muffins. I’ll bet you plan to make them for her for Christmas!
I use almond milk , frozen banana slices , spinach , chia seeds and whey protein in my morning smoothies! I’ll try your recipe and order that protein powder today to try. Merry Christmas.
Judy, your smoothie sounds delicious. Sometimes I throw in a handful of fresh organic spinach leaves to add some greenery to my smoothie. I’ve not tried chia seeds, though. Interesting.
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I see from the picture you have a Vitamix. I have been lusting after one for years and am hoping to get one soon. Can you tell me if its really worth the money? I would love to be able to make green smoothies, pesto and hummus. Your smoothie looks so good!
Brandy, I’ve had my Vitamix for several years. It’s certainly not their top-of-the-line model, but I like it a lot. I can add fresh spinach leaves to my smoothie and it purees it in a wink. It works great for pesto and hummus. It’s big and heavy compared to many blenders. That’s why I just keep mine out on the counter. It’s a real work-horse, though. If you’re going to be doing some heavy-duty blending and pureeing, you will find the Vitamix is worth the money.