A Heart Healthy Holiday with Chef LaLa

Ah, the holidays: a joyous time of twinkling lights, cozy nights spent by the fireplace, and … second helpings of all your favorite dishes. When all your time is (happily) spent bouncing between cocktail parties, holiday brunches, and cookie swaps, the daily health routine falls low on the priority list. But here’s a gift for you: this holiday season you can indulge while being good to yourself. Just follow these simple tips from Chef LaLa, chef, cookbook author, and certified nutritionist.

SITUATION #1: Prevention

You’re decked out in your finest threads (perhaps you’re sporting that awesome festive Christmas sweater), and you’ve staked out a strategic location far enough from your boss but not too far from the bar. Though you’ve vowed to only have crudités, the hors d’oeuvres are calling your name. Here are Chef LaLa’s five tips for staying healthy this holiday season.

Pick your drink wisely: That coquito tastes delicious but come morning you won’t be feeling quite so sparkly. Chef LaLa says: “Be very careful with sugary beverages, they can pack in a lot of calories.” Instead, opt for sparkling water infused with fruit flavors, pour a lot of tonic into that gin, or go with a straight up glass of heart healthy red wine.

Pick your snacks wisely: Though the croquetas taste good, they won’t be good to you for long. It’s fine to satisfy a craving with a nibble of that holiday favorite but as soon as you can, switch to the all-natural, colorful stuff. Chef LaLa sys: “Try high fiber foods like veggies and salads, they will help you stay satisfied.”

Be patient. The flan has hit the table but that doesn’t mean it should go straight into your mouth. Enjoy the scenery, the company, and take your mind off the caramel goodness. Why? Chef LaLa explains: “Wait 20 minutes before going for dessert, the time it takes for your body to know it’s full.” When you finally dig in, you’ll probably serve yourself a more reasonable slice. Which brings us to…

Eat for one. We know, we know: the pernil/ tamales and pastelitos are just too good. And you should treat yourself to those holiday dishes. But you’ll enjoy yourself more (and the food) if you pace yourself. Chef LaLa reminds TLK: “Be mindful of portion size.”

And if you’re hosting? 

Start in the kitchen: Put down the half and half. At least for now. Add richness to your dishes with flavor, not empty calories. Chef LaLa says: “Use natural flavors like herbs to flavor food.” That means not to drown your mofongo stuffing in gravy. Instead use fresh cilantro. 

So, maybe you had a few too many glasses of sangria and aren’t feeling quite so joyous. Now what?  Chef LaLa, a spokesperson for Prilosec OTC, shares her tips.

Next, how to manage heartburn after it occurs…

SITUATION #2: Management

The coquito started flowing, the homemade fudge came out, and now you’re laying in bed wishing you hadn’t volunteered to taste test everything on the holiday table last night.  What to do?

Get slick. Today, forget the chiles and Tabasco. We know you like it spicy, but that will only exacerbate the painful issue at hand. Chef LaLa says: “Substitute the heavy sauce for olive oil and a variety of herbs, which will provide the great flavor.”

Get nutty. You can have chocolate tomorrow. For now, skip the chocolate-laced condiments. Chef LaLa says: “Use nut-based mole sauces like pipian instead of regular, chocolate-chile sauces when making your favorite mole recipes.”

Just say no. The pico de gallo is calling your name but tomatoes are high in acidity and will only get your heart racing. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through a dud of a meal. Chef LaLa says “Consider alternatives such as fresh fruit salsas, chimichurri, and nut-based sauces.”

Watch the clock. If you want to dream of sugarplums, you’ll want to space out your meals. Though dinner/ cocktail hour/ dessert and gifts swaps can run late, make sure to give yourself enough time to digest. Chef LaLa says: “Don’t go to sleep on a full stomach. Eat three to four hours before going to bed or take a walk after dinner.”

Stay hydrated. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Drinking enough water will not only keeping you feeling fresh (and full), it will help you stay healthy. Chef LaLa says: “Drink plenty of water as it helps with digestion.”

Finally, give yourself a break and a little help. Try taking a Prilosec OTC pill before breakfast to help stop the acid that causes heartburn. You’ll give yourself 24 heartburn free hours, enough time to head to that Christmas brunch with the girls and cookie swap with the kids. Happy holidays!