Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means chocolate, eggnog and cookies galore! For many of you, a healthy diet may take a backseat to holiday feasts. In fact, the average person consumes roughly 3,000 calories on Christmas Day! The key to enjoying a healthy season starts with striking a balance between enjoying seasonal treats and making smart choices.

Stay on track with these tips from the Vitamin Shoppe Nutritionist and Digital Content Writer, Brianna Diorio.

Top Three Tips:

* Portion Control - Try using a tablespoon or fork instead of communal serving spoons to measure out individual portion sizes onto your plate for ‘indulgent’ items.

* Beverage Choices - Cut back on alcohol while enjoying your actual meal - it acts as an appetite stimulant and causes blood sugar levels to drop, often leading to mindless snacking while enjoying your actual meal?

* Stay on Track - Scout a workout buddy for the day after a holiday party to keep you committed to burning off extra calories.

* Note: You can find some of the ingredients used in the recipe below at your local Vitamin Shoppe and at VitaminShoppe.com.

Chocolate Coconut Cake Bites Recipe

1 egg, large
1/2 tsp low sodium baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
3 tbsp. Coconut Secret Coconut Flour
3 scoops plnt chocolate protein
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup (170g), Total 0% Greek Yogurt Plain (Fage)
4 Tablespoons, Now Real Foods Unsweetened, Shredded Organic Coconut

Directions: Coat pain with coconut oil. Combine ingredients (minus the coconut flakes) into the coated baking pan. Add coconut flakes on the top before placing in oven. Bake at 385 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut into 12 pieces.