With so many seasonal treats available during the holidays, it is easy to put on a few extra pounds without even realizing it until the holidays are over and it is time to get back to a regular routine. Perhaps that is why the No. 1 New Year’s resolution that people make is to lose weight. This year, Wellesley plastic surgeon Dr. William E. LoVerme shares some holidays treats that you can enjoy during this festive time of year — without regretting it come the New Year.
Chocolate Mousse With a Twist
Instead of indulging in sugary milk chocolate, you can get your chocolate fix with this delectable vegan chocolate-avocado mousse. The avocado gives this treat its richness, without having to use heavy cream, which is high in fat. You can use stevia, a natural sweetener, instead of sugar to keep the calorie count down. You can also mix in a few berries or nuts during the last step of the preparation process for added flavor and texture. Bon appétit!
Ingredients:
1 large ripe avocado
¼ cup raw cocoa powder
¼ cup coconut or almond milk
2 tsp stevia (or alternative natural sweetener)
1 tsp natural vanilla extract
Directions:
Puree the ripe avocado until it is smooth. Mix the cocoa powder and milk together until they are combined; add this to the avocado. Stir in the stevia and vanilla extract, and mix everything well. You can store the mousse in the fridge until you are ready to eat it.
Red, Red Wine
When consumed in moderation, red wine has health benefits. Red wine is a good source of flavonoids and resveratrol, antioxidants that fight the free radicals present in our bodies. Flavonoids and resveratrol have been shown to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and boost “good” HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, supporting cardiovascular health. In addition, some studies show that resveratrol protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer; however, additional research is needed on this subject.
The bottom line is that enjoying one glass of red wine a day may keep the doctor away. Therefore, you may want to reach for a glass of red wine instead of indulging in egg nog, which is high in calories and fat content.
No-Bake Rolled Oat Cookies
You do not even need to bake these delicious cookies that are a good source of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups rolled oats
1/3 cup natural almond butter
3 tbsp honey
½ dark chocolate chips (with 70-percent or more cacao)
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix them thoroughly. Form the cookies, using a muffin tin as your mold. Put the muffin tin in the fridge and allow the mixture to set. Enjoy!
Need Help With Holiday Weight Gain?
If you did gain some weight this holiday season, don’t fret. Simply try to get back to your regular diet and fitness routine as soon as possible. If you have tried to diet and exercise but still have pesky “problem areas” plagued with stubborn fat, contact Dr. LoVerme for help. He offers several body contouring treatment options to help you look your best over the New Year.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. LoVerme to learn more about your body contouring treatment options, contact Accurate Aesthetics by calling (877) 603-7874.
