Using fresh ingredients and making the most of the time off in the holidays, means you can enjoy a healthy diet and body. Check out some great recipes for the holidays and also, some activities that will help you stay fit and healthy.
Breakfast – Bagel Gone Bananas
- 2 tablespoons natural nut butter,
- such as almond,
- cashew or peanut
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- 1 whole-wheat bagel, split and toasted
- 1 small banana, sliced
- Stir together nut butter, honey and salt in a small bowl.
- Divide the mixture between bagel halves and top with banana slices.
To read more, click here.
Lunch: Rainy Day Split Pea Soup with Egg
- 2 cups green split peas
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 4 eggs, hard boiled and roughly chopped
- Heat the olive oil over medium/low heat in a large saucepot. Add the onions and cook on low for about 20 minutes, or until the onions have started to turn a golden brown color—just be careful not to burn them! Your goal is to caramelize the onions for maximum flavor. Be patient; it can take a while.
- 2. Once the onions have turned golden, add the split peas, carrots, broth, and spices, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 35 minutes, until the peas and carrots are tender.
- 3. Carefully pour soup into a food processor or blender and whirl on high for a few seconds so everything is smooth and pureed. Pour soup back into the saucepot, season with more salt if needed, and ladle into 4 bowls, topping each bowl with a handful of chopped egg.
To read more, click here.
Dinner: Superhealthy salmon burgers
- 4 boneless, skinless salmon fillets, about 550g/1lb 4oz in total, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- thumb-size piece fresh root ginger, grated
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 bunch coriander, half chopped, half leaves picked
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- lemon wedges, to serve
- For the salad
- 2 carrots
- half large or 1 small cucumber
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp golden caster sugar
- Tip the salmon into a food processor with the paste, ginger, soy and chopped coriander. Pulse until roughly minced. Tip out the mix and shape into 4 burgers. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan, then fry the burgers for 4-5 mins on each side, turning until crisp and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, use a swivel peeler to peel strips of carrot and cucumber into a bowl. Toss with the vinegar and sugar until the sugar has dissolved, then toss through the coriander leaves. Divide the salad between 4 plates. Serve with the burgers and rice.
To read more, click here.
Three Summer Activities:
Power Yoga
Power yoga can increase your tonus, overall health and mood. It does not require any special training, but a motivation and positive attitude.
Here’s a list of some of the most beneficial aspects of power yoga:
- It increases endurance, strength and flexibility.
- Mental endurance and physical stamina are tested through holding postures for extended breaths.
- Arm and shoulder strength is multiplied as you use your own body weight for resistance.
- Lats and other back muscles begin to support the spine better than before.
- Abdominals and obliques are refined and sharpened through building core muscles.
- Poor and average posture begins to correct itself over time.
- Hip flexors are stretched and rebuilt.
- Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves are tightened and lengthened where they need to be.
Dancing
Dance is one of the oldest forms of self-expression and entertainment on earth, existing since antiquity. Aside from just being an enjoyable way to express and entertain one’s self, there are some great health benefits to dancing, or dance movement therapy. Dancing is easy to maintain a healthy weight and enjoying it at the same time. Plus, dancing has positive effects on person’s balance, posture, bone strength and it has shown to help mild depression and improve confidence.
Swimming
Swimming is always a sure-fire hit with the kids. Swimming is an excellent family activity because it is great fun and everyone can participate at their own level. Also, because it is a weight-supported exercise, it is ideal if impact activities are unsuitable for you or you have an injury. An hour swimming can burn up to 300 calories as well as build your upper-body strength and it also gives your heart, lungs and all the major muscle groups in your body a good workout.
The Slimming Clinic can help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
The Slimming Clinic operate 27 clinics nationwide, specializing in medical weight loss and cosmetic treatments. They are the UK’s largest chain of specialist medical weight loss clinics.
To book a free consultation at one of our clinics, please click https://theslimmingclinic.com/contact-us/book-appointment/
For more information about losing weight with The Slimming Clinic, please click here.