Shopping, gift wrapping and gifts’ giving, eating and celebrating White and Blue Christmas is already behind us. Oh, these holiday dinner tables full with delicious foods… Who could resist them? If you feel guilty after consuming lots of absolutely fabulous meals and think about loosing weight you gained during holidays, please don’t. 

Cardiac surgeon Mehmet Oz, M.D., host of “The Dr. Oz Show” suggests as one of his best tips to cut portions in half. “On average, we only put on a pound or two over the holidays,” he says. “It’s less catastrophic that many realize. But if the extra food we eat during holidays is added to all of the other weeks of the year when we’re eating too much, then it becomes a problem for us.” He recommends a consumption goal over the holidays instead of a diet of depriviation. “Focus on eating 100 calories less per day,” he says. “That’s a half a soft drink or a little less pie.”

First of all, start jogging or walking at 7:00 AM. Make your health a priority, but don’t starve. Forget about any strict and ’severe’ diets that will make you feel hungry, angry and unhappy. Don’t punish yourself.  There are so many healthy foods you can add to your daily or holiday menu that are beneficial for you.

by Mandi Odoerfer

1-1204019023FA3pWhen you diet, it’s easy to think only about calorie count and not about the nutrients the foods you eat are providing you. When you’re cutting calories, it becomes even more important to make sure that you’re eating foods that will give your body everything it needs. Luckly, there are many foods that will help you lose weight that are still full of vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of some healthy diet foods.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a negative calorie food, which means that it takes more calories to digest it that it contains. This makes it a perfect addition to a healthy meal while you’re dieting. It’ll give your body plenty of nutrirnts like vitamins K, A, and C, as well as potassium and protein.

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans aren’t just low in calories. They also pack in an incredible amount of protein, which will help fuel your body and keep you feeling full for longer. Kidney beans have plenty of other nutrients to offer as well, like folate, fiber and manganese.

Water

It may seem obvious, but drinking lots of water is crucial to losing weight. Cutting out the calories you consume from drinks have an amazing result on your waistline. Being well hydrated has a tremendous impact on your health. You won’t believe how much better water will make you look and feel.

Grapefruit

Grapefruitis an incredible food to eat while dieting. Not only does it lower insulin levels in your body that tell it to store fat–it can also speed up your metabolism with its high fiber content. Grapefruit also contains vitamin C, folate and vitamin B5.

Jalapenos

Jalapenos definitely aren’t the easiest food to eat, but they have many benefits. Jalapenos contain something called capcaisin, which will keep your body burning calories for hours after you eat them. They’re also full of nutrients like iron, magnesium and vitamin C.

Oatmeal

Starting you day off with a big bowl of oatmeal is a wonderful way to help your body loose weight. It’s packed with fat-soluble fibers that your body will have to work hard to break down. This will burn calories and keep you feeling full till lunchtime. Though it can be tempting to skip breakfast when you’re on a diet, you shouldn’t–eating it kickstarts your metabolism.

Blueberries

Though blueberries boast an incredible amount of antioxidants and nutrients, the amount of calories they contain is very low. Snacking on blueberries is an easy way to nourish your body without breaking your diet. For a more substantial snack, try blueberries in low fat yogurt.

Apples

If staying full in between meals is something you struggle with, apples are the perfect food for you. They contain a substance called pectin that will help youyr body feel full for longer. When you’re trying to resist temptation, try munching down on this fiber rich food.

Mandi Odoerfer is a health writer and founder of the site, Healing With Foods, http://healingwithfoods.blogspot.com

References:http://www.aolhealth.com/health/dr-oz-holiday-health-tips; http://healingwithfoods.blogspot.com/search/label/Weight%20Loss