Holiday over-indulgence makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. In fact, research shows most of us gain weight between November and January.
The truth is, Americans really only gain 1 to 2 pounds during the holidays; however, studies tell us this slight weight gain is often retained because it seems so insignificant. The problem arises when, over time, this weight gain adds up, and has a negative impact on our health.
Feelings of restriction by a special diet due to a food allergy seem to increase during the holidays. Who doesn’t love all those sugary sweet, gluten-filled treats?! Seeing them passed around and having to turn them down can make us feel deprived.
Alternatively, having allergen-free versions of our holiday favorites could become a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the foods we love, but it may mean we over-indulge and take in more calories than we do the rest of the year.
Don't despair! It's possible for us to eat AND...
The truth is, Americans really only gain 1 to 2 pounds during the holidays; however, studies tell us this slight weight gain is often retained because it seems so insignificant. The problem arises when, over time, this weight gain adds up, and has a negative impact on our health.
Feelings of restriction by a special diet due to a food allergy seem to increase during the holidays. Who doesn’t love all those sugary sweet, gluten-filled treats?! Seeing them passed around and having to turn them down can make us feel deprived.
Alternatively, having allergen-free versions of our holiday favorites could become a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the foods we love, but it may mean we over-indulge and take in more calories than we do the rest of the year.
Don't despair! It's possible for us to eat AND...
LOSE WEIGHT During the Holidays!
Not only can we maintain our healthy weight, it may even be possible for us to LOSE WEIGHT this holiday season simply by incorporating the right foods into our gluten free diet!
The truth is there are several so-called super-foods that really do help us lose weight. The best part is that these ultra-healthy foods are all naturally gluten free!
Over the coming weeks, I’ll share what these foods are, tell you the science behind why they work, and share my helpful tips so we all can keep our waistlines in check this holiday season.
First up this week, with Halloween right around the corner we can...
The truth is there are several so-called super-foods that really do help us lose weight. The best part is that these ultra-healthy foods are all naturally gluten free!
Over the coming weeks, I’ll share what these foods are, tell you the science behind why they work, and share my helpful tips so we all can keep our waistlines in check this holiday season.
First up this week, with Halloween right around the corner we can...
Carve a Jack-O-Lantern and Trim Pounds!
OK, so you don’t eat those pumpkins, although you could. There are many varieties that are much better (and more practical) for cooking and eating. Small Sugar, Peek-a-Boo, Trickster, and Baby Pam are a few cooking pumpkins ranging from 2 to 6 pounds. A 5-pound pumpkin yields approximately 4 cups of nutrient-dense, cooked pumpkin (enough for 2 pumpkin pies) with a mere 20 calories per cup!
Not only is this bright orange squash low in calories, it's also packed with good-for-you vitamins and nutrients! The orange color is a good indicator that pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known to protect cells from damage and boosts immunity. Pumpkin is also a terrific source of vitamin C (1 cup contains 8% of our recommended daily allowance!) along with vitamins A and E, folate, iron, and magnesium!
And let’s not forget fiber... Pumpkin is loaded with it, which makes this a go-to food when we’re trying to lose weight. Fiber helps us feel full and satisfied and research confirms high fiber intake aids in weight management and even in weight loss.
When you head out to grab that pumpkin to carve, go ahead and treat yourself to a cooking pumpkin and make your own, nutritious Mini Pumpkin Muffins for Halloween!
Not only is this bright orange squash low in calories, it's also packed with good-for-you vitamins and nutrients! The orange color is a good indicator that pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known to protect cells from damage and boosts immunity. Pumpkin is also a terrific source of vitamin C (1 cup contains 8% of our recommended daily allowance!) along with vitamins A and E, folate, iron, and magnesium!
And let’s not forget fiber... Pumpkin is loaded with it, which makes this a go-to food when we’re trying to lose weight. Fiber helps us feel full and satisfied and research confirms high fiber intake aids in weight management and even in weight loss.
When you head out to grab that pumpkin to carve, go ahead and treat yourself to a cooking pumpkin and make your own, nutritious Mini Pumpkin Muffins for Halloween!
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
The Question: Which favorite seasonal food may actually help you LOSE WEIGHT this holiday season?
The Answer: Pumpkin! Easy to prepare and affordable, this autumn fruit could be one of our secret weapons when it comes to fighting holiday weight gain. Try some of my tasty, sweet and reduced fat pumpkin-filled recipes today!
The Answer: Pumpkin! Easy to prepare and affordable, this autumn fruit could be one of our secret weapons when it comes to fighting holiday weight gain. Try some of my tasty, sweet and reduced fat pumpkin-filled recipes today!
~g~
I hope this “A Side of Science” provided useful information to help with your special diet! The more we know about the foods we are putting into our bodies, the easier it is to manage our own food allergy and maintain our special diet for optimal health.
Try some of my gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free recipes to see how tasty a special diet for your food allergy can be!
Try some of my gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free recipes to see how tasty a special diet for your food allergy can be!
Let’s Stay Connected!
Remember, my mission here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is to share my experience and knowledge to help you navigate your life comfortably and confidently regardless of which special diet or food allergy you might have. Send your questions or comments to: mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com. I'd love to hear from you!
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Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
Tuesday, I have all-new helpful How-To videos featuring simple, affordable seasonal dishes that are perfect for the chilly autumn days!
Our autumn fun continues with a fun gluten free event right here in Atlanta!
On October 22, make sure to attend the Atlanta Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten Free Vendor Fair! Last year’s vendor fair was a huge success and this year promises to be even better with speakers, demos, and of course, lots of gluten free food to sample! I’ll be demonstrating how to make two of my favorite raw foods recipes, so if you’re there, be sure to stop by and say “hello”! I’d love to meet you in person!
Our autumn fun continues with a fun gluten free event right here in Atlanta!
On October 22, make sure to attend the Atlanta Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten Free Vendor Fair! Last year’s vendor fair was a huge success and this year promises to be even better with speakers, demos, and of course, lots of gluten free food to sample! I’ll be demonstrating how to make two of my favorite raw foods recipes, so if you’re there, be sure to stop by and say “hello”! I’d love to meet you in person!
~g~
Thank you for visiting! No matter what your food allergy or health goals are, know what I’m doing here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Leave a comment below or get your special diet and food allergy questions answered by sending me an email at mailbox (at) glutefreegigi (dot) com. I’ll always get back to you!
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Have a look around, get comfortable, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Leave a comment below or get your special diet and food allergy questions answered by sending me an email at mailbox (at) glutefreegigi (dot) com. I’ll always get back to you!
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it... Check my sources!
National Institutes of Health
Livestrong
University of Illinois Extension
National Institutes of Health
Livestrong
University of Illinois Extension
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