6 foods you can enjoy over the holidays

Nov 30 2018, 8:29 am

We’re in the midst of the holiday season, which means there’s something happening almost every week. Office parties, family get-togethers, catching up with friends ā€” and they all involve one thing: Food.

Obviously, nobody is going to complain when they’re surrounded by mouthwatering food and drinks. But what if you’ve been good all year and you’ve stuck to a solid fitness and health routine?

One party shouldn’t throw you off track and make you feel like you’ve taken 20 steps back. It’s all about balance. Here’s a look at six things you’ll be happy to know you can enjoy this season.

Beer

Michelob Ultra, a refreshing, 90-calorie beer, is brewed for people who enjoy leading an active yet balanced lifestyle. With 4% ABV and a clean taste, Michelob Ultra is a light beer that believes when it comes to being fit and having fun, you can do both.

Dark chocolate

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You’re going to be surrounded by a lot of chocolate over the coming weeks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have any. Many studies have shown the health benefits that eating small amounts of dark chocolate can bring.

And it can even help curb exercise-induced stress, according to the European Journal of Nutrition. Enjoy a square of dark chocolate or have it with oatmeal a couple of hours before your workout and see how good you feel later. (The endorphins chocolate releases also help.)

Tart cherries

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Add some variety to your fruit intake during the holidays with tart cherries. Scientists have found numerous benefits for endurance athletes from the juice of these cherries. According to Training Peaks, the juice can help fight inflammation, aid with better sleep, reduce muscle pain, and boost immunity.

Popcorn

You can’t really watch a movie without popcorn, can you? Thankfully, you don’t have to because popcorn is a great option when it’s prepared with minimal fat and topped with smart seasonings. Microwave popcorn can be loaded with sodium so make sure to check out the packaging before you buy. Pro tip: Melt a small amount of dark chocolate on top of your popcorn when it’s ready. This is as drool-worthy as it gets.

Watermelon

A juicy slice of watermelon is a great refreshing option and it’s just as good with yogurt and honey as a light holiday dessert.Ā If the refreshing taste isn’t enough, rest easy knowing that watermelon has everything you need to refuel, hydrate, and carry on with your day. According to Live Strong, watermelon can help with glycogen and electrolyte replenishment, rehydration, and improved blood pressure.

Coffee

Sometimes you just need a caffeine boost to perk you up in the morning or afternoon. And if coffee is your go-to, you’ll be happy to know that it can help fight inflammation and it could give you an extra edge for your workout if you drink a cup a few hours before breaking a sweat.

Coffee can even help reduce post-workout pain by up to 48%, according to a study conducted by the University of Georgia. Of course, you’re going to want to have water at hand throughout the day to stay hydrated ā€” especially during the holidays. That’s a no-brainer!

Please consult a medical professional for more information on any of the above foods and whether they are suitable for your diet.

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