A: Skipping breakfast has actually been
proven through several studies to enhance
weight gain. It promotes overeating when
you finally do eat. I would suggest having a
green smoothie for breakfast, or something
high-protein and rich in fiber like a slice of
whole wheat toast with eggs and avocado.
It’s actually really good, don’t knock it
until you’ve tried it. Try keeping an orange
or banana close by for when you do feel
“snacky” to help satisfy you until the feast.
Q: As the mom of two growing boys, what
are your go-to dishes for the whole family?
Do you find that the kiddos are reluctant to
eat new foods?
A: Every kid is different, I’m a firm believer
in that. It’s been a task to get to where we
are with my four-year-old’s diet. My almost
2-year-old has always been the opposite.
He’s like a goat. He will eat anything! The
easiest way to broaden my 4-year-old’s
palate was to compare the new food to
something he was already familiar with.
When he takes the first bite of the new food,
he has the food I’ve compared it to already
in mind. If he doesn’t like it, I don’t force it. I’ll
move on and try a different food next time.
Most of the time it’s about finding a way you
like things to be cooked. Some like fries fried,
some like them baked, some would rather
them mashed, etc. The “crowd favorite” in our
home is definitely any pasta dish. We love
baked chicken parmesan & light sauce.
Q: If you were hosting Thanksgiving dinner,
what are the five “better option” foods you
would include in your menu?
A: Oven roasted turkey, homemade
cranberry sauce (sweetened with pineapple),
16
parmesan brussels sprouts, sweet potato
and cauliflower mash, and roasted butternut
squash and spinach salad. Yum! Or, maple
roasted carrots, or peas, or green beans, a
broccoli casserole… oh mercy, the list could
go on and on.
Q: For people not on exercise plans, would
you recommend they do some type of
exercise during holidays when they overeat?
A: The average person adds 1-3 pounds
of weight during the holidays, which can
snowball in to more weight gain. A fun
family game of backyard flag football
or even a brisk 15 minute walk can help
significantly. Beginning an exercise plan can
help aid your digestive system in doing its
breaking down job.
Q: In your opinion, are the holidays a good
time to begin an exercise and/or eating
plan?
A: Absolutely! A random Tuesday is a good
time, too. I don’t fully believe in waiting
until the first of the year to start a workout
routine. You want to have a stronger heart
and live longer? Then, find your own exercise
routine that works best for you immediately.
The holidays offer so many tasty foods
cooked in so many ways you may not have
tried before. It’s the perfect time to sample
new foods and branch out.
For more advice and inspiration from Chris
follow her on Instagram! ✽
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
November 2018
INSIGHT