Healthy Ways To Treat Yourself On Occasion

We all enjoy a bit of indulgence from time to time, but it’s important to understand how to indulge without damaging your body. In perspective, that pack of cookies is not worth overloading your vessel with sugar and placing unnecessary stress on your organs.

If you want to learn how to “party” with caution, take a few moments to read up on your favorite treats. Here is a brief look at a few ways to relax and release without compromising your overall health.

Drinking can be acceptable

Drinking gets a bad rep most of the time, but it’s really the ways in which people use alcohol that makes it such a dangerous substance. Avoid the DUI charges, and learn the true meaning of drinking responsibly.

Contrary to popular belief, treating yourself to a glass (that means around 4-5 ounces) of wine and a piece of dark chocolate at night is beneficial to your health. Relax at the end of the evening, and bask in the flavor of freedom.

Eat snacks 86 the guilt

It’s hard to live life without those messy midnight snacks when you live your life on a second shift schedule, but there are ways to get around the saturated fats and high sodium contents. Consider these few snacks for munching next time your carnal urges get the best of you.

• Baked sweet potato fries – Baked sweet potato fries are a great source of Vitamin A.
• Crispy kale chips – Kale chips are an excellent source of Vitamin K, A, and C.
• Cinnamon spiced baked apples – Low-calorie sweet snack.

You can treat yourself to popcorn

Popcorn is a healthy snack that is only unhealthy when you douse it in butter and salt. Enjoy the full flavor of your popcorn, and get a healthy dose of fiber as your munch.

Try topping your popcorn with alternative seasonings like garlic or cinnamon. Popcorn is also a source of powerful antioxidants, so feel free to enjoy your movie as you crunch without worry.

Have fun with the kids

When you choose to “let loose” with the kids, you’ll need snacks that appeal to their prepubescent palates. Here are a few palatable ideas for you and the kids on family fun night.

• Healthy nachos – Try using black bean chips and organic cheese for “healthier” nachos.
• Chocolate-covered fruit kebobs – Kids love chocolate, and fruit is always a healthy snack.
• Fruity waffle squares – Square out whole grain waffles, and top them with a dollop of cream cheese and some blueberries.

Holidays don’t have to be terrible

You don’t have to gain 20 pounds over the holidays, and you don’t have to skip out on the happy holiday treats. You just have to get creative with your choices. Here are a few options to try this upcoming holiday season.

• Chocolate truffle cheesecake – Replace the cream cheese with cottage cheese and add cocoa for a silky smooth, rich chocolate cheesecake.
• Chocolate oat cakes – Oats, hazelnuts, and chocolate make a delicious bite-sized snack.
• Almond snowballs – Light, almond-flavored cookies topped with coconut and a cherry.