14 Healthy Foods That Keep You Full During the Holidays
It’s hard to resist eating a lot of treats during a holiday season during normal times (whatever that means) but this year especially has caused a lot of stress eating with Covid. Whole Foods dark chocolate peppermints are my weakness and I might have popped a few too many in my mouth over Thanksgiving. It’s almost a new year but it’s never too early to focus on good health. Here are some hunger busting foods that will help you feel full so you won’t be tempted to eat as many sweets. Here’s my top fourteen picks and some quick and healthy recipes to make things simple.
Avocados
This heart smart super food is satisfying and filling. Add it to a smoothie or mix it with lime to make a creamy cilantro and lime avocado dip. Check out this simple recipe here
Almonds
Choose raw almonds that are sweet and nutty, not sharp or bitter. Almonds act as an antioxidant that helps promote a healthy metabolism of fats and carbs and boosts energy. Almonds are a great snack or add to a salad or make these off-the-charts delicious chocolate protein balls!
Broccoli
A mighty source of calcium and important cancer-fighting compounds, broccoli also has loads of fiber and has only 30 calories per serving. If broccoli makes you bloat then steam it before eating.
Chia Seeds
Small but mighty chia seeds pack a serious fiber punch at 4g/tbsp. Add them to your favorite foods and smoothies to help ward off hunger. Check out this chocolate chia truffle recipe. So easy to make and dangerously delicious!
Lentils
Lentils pack 13g of protein and 11g of fiber per serving. This legume will help you feeling full for hours between meals and is a great source of vitamin B and folate.
Oatmeal
Oats are a great resistant starch. Rolled oats add a thick and creamy texture to smoothies and are rich in soluble fiber, which can help you feel full for a long time. Check out my healthy Oatmeal Cookie smoothie recipe or enjoy a steaming helping of oatmeal with berries and a touch of maple syrup. Nothing better on a cold winter day.
Quinoa
Quinoa contains hearty doses of iron and magnesium, which helps give your body energy. A one cup serving boasts 8g of protein and 5g of fiber. There are so many delicious quinoa recipes and one of my favorites is Greek Quinoa Salad
Dark Chocolate
Lucky for us dark chocolate contains monounsaturated fatty acids that could help speed up our metabolism. Cacao nibs or powder is great to add to smoothies. Check out this delicious mint chip smoothie!
Artichoke
Artichokes are one of the highest fiber vegetables with over 10g of fiber!
Banana
Bananas are a top source of resistant starch, which the body digests slowly. This helps you feel full, while encouraging the liver to switch to fat burning mode.
Apple
Apples have pectin which slows digestion and makes you full. Eating an apple is a natural appetite suppressant.
Eggs
You might not think of eggs as a weight loss food, but eggs are packed with protein, which helps to curb the appetite. Power breakfast: 2 fried or soft boiled eggs with a half of avocado. Let’s go!
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has probiotics and a good amount of protein but eat it in moderation. If you are going to eat yogurt make sure it’s unsweetened Greek yogurt. Flavored yogurts have so much sugar it’s like eating a candy bar. Add your own fruit!
Popcorn
With the exception of movie popcorn slathered in butter (I know so good and over 1000 calories) - air popped popcorn is a healthy, filling snack. We have one that is super easy to use and makes delicious popcorn every time! You can find it here.