eating - MINT DC

Try These Healthy Winter Soup Recipes!

*Sweet Potato and Bacon Soup, Photo Cred: Jess (Paleo Grubs) on Flickr*

Now that the temperatures are starting to drop outside and the snow is starting to fall, it’s good to be prepared indoors with yummy, healthy recipes to keep you warm. This is the perfect time of year to hang out at home and let some soup sit on the stove or in your slow cooker, to keep you warm and keep your stomach happy. Because you may find yourself sitting around a little more often than in warmer temperatures, these soups provide nutritional info and healthy ingredients, so to minimize feelings of guilt and keep your stomachs full. So check out some of these delicious, healthy recipes, and get cooking!

Melanie Rubin is a Physical Therapist in DC and a group fitness instructor at MINT.

Photo credit: Kristina Servant on Flickr

Holidays are approaching, and that means one thing… holiday parties. At first, seeing your loved ones, coworkers, or friends gathered around an endless buffet and bar sounds enticing.

But after two months of nonstop celebrations, it may be a frustrating struggle to fit into your favorite jeans. Well, we have a couple solutions for you to avoid packing on those pounds throughout the holidays!

1. Eat Before Going to a Party.

Before you head out, enjoy a healthy snack (or meal) to curb your appetite. Eating a healthy, substantial breakfast in the morning can prevent overeating later on in the day. Right before a party, eat a filling snack with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as peanut butter with whole wheat crackers or hummus and carrots, to hold you over.

2. Everything in Moderation.

It is totally fine to indulge in a piece of pumpkin pie—just not the third or fourth slice. Feel free to enjoy the dessert, but try using a smaller plate. Studies have shown that when smaller plates or bowls are used, a smaller portion is viewed as “more filling.” Choose your indulgences wisely!

3. Keep Up the Exercise.

Even if you do not have time for your normal gym routine, try and fit in exercise wherever you can in your busy day. Shovel snow, clean for houseguests, dash through the stores in search of presents, or even just go for a walk after dinner.

4. Provide a Healthy Dish to the Party.

*Photo credit: Amazing Almonds on Flickr*

Instead of bringing yet another dessert, offer to bring a healthy dish to the party. There are tons of holiday recipes that are modified to be a bit more health conscious. For example, if your signature dish is “Green Bean Casserole,” slim it down with fresh mushrooms and vegetable broth—instead of the cream of mushroom.

5. Stay Away from the Table.

If engaging in conversation, try to stand more than an arm’s length away from the snacks that may be out before the meal. While chatting, you may not notice yourself even reaching for the nuts or chips on display. Therefore, stay as far away (as possible) to avoid temptation.

6. Colors First!

Fill your plate with vegetables and fruit first before moving onto the creamy mashed potatoes and honey-glazed ham. The fruits and vegetables may fill you up first, and remember—everything else in moderation!

These are just a few suggestions to keep you on track throughout the holiday season. It may seem impossible to prevent any weight gain, but all the more reason to stay active at MINT Health Club & Studio!

Johanna is a MINT Ambassador. Fitness as well as eating right have always been two major passions of hers — her first degree was even in Nutrition! After finishing up her Master’s this past summer, she now works as a Registered Nurse, but when she’s off, you can find her running or lifting at the gym.