The holiday season is filled with delicious meals and festive treats, but some of the most popular holiday foods can contribute to weight gain and inflammation if consumed in excess. Rich in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients, many traditional dishes and desserts can spike blood sugar, increase fat storage, and trigger inflammation in the body.
@meowmeix Enjoy the holiday without feeling like sh!t! Make the switch to these better-for-you holiday options. #healthyeating #grocerylist #groceryhaul #weightloss #holidayrecipes #heathydessert original sound – Amanda (Meixner) Rocchio
Amanda Meixner Rocchio shares nutrition tips with her 250K followers on TikTok and recently revealed the four holiday foods to avoid this season because they worsen weight gain and inflammation. Read on to get all her insights.
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1. Oreos
While Santa may appreciate the Oreo cookies with his milk, Amanda says that these sweet treats contain high fructose corn syrup, soybean oil, and a range of other junk ingredients that can take a toll on your waistline and inflammation.
Healthier swap: Instead, she suggests trying Simple Mills cookie sandwiches. “They taste amazing and don’t have any of those filler ingredients," she says.
2. Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate can be an unhealthy ingredient for many reasons. Most milk chocolates contain added sugar, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats, including trans fats or hydrogenated oils, which can spike insulin levels and trigger inflammation.
Healthier swap: Dark chocolate is a better choice thanks to its high cocoa content and lower levels of sugar. Amanda says to make the switch to a higher quality brand.
3. Cookie Mix
Cookie mixes can be problematic because most pre-made ones use white sugar and refined flour, both of which can cause blood sugar spikes. They also contain unhealthy fats such as trans fats and hydrogenated oils.
“You don’t need the cookie brands with a laundry list of ingredients and preservatives that will help it last a lifetime,” Amanda notes.
Healthier swap: You could opt for making cookies from scratch, which can let you stay in control of what goes in the mix. Or, Amanda suggests Sweet Loren’s brand.
4. High-Sugar Seasonal Coffee
One of the highlights of winter is indulging in seasonal flavors that perfectly capture the cozy vibe. However, many store-bought coffees and creamers are packed with sugar and lack any real nutritional value.
Healthier swap: Amanda suggests to go for “brands like Nut Pods.” They contain simple and clean ingredients such as water, coconut cream, and sea salt.
