C – The holiday’s can be the worst time for the health conscious.
It’s a time for too many indulgences and not enough healthy eating. I need to have nutritionist follow me around and tell me what I need to eat at a holiday potluck or a party with loads of food. I also could be my own nutritionist and make good decisions. BUT it’s SO hard!
I know I will indulge. That’s the nature of me. I love food. Everyone knows it. I did get over the Thanksgiving hump this year without too many bad decisions. How did I do that? I didn’t even gain a pound during the three Thanksgiving events I had to go to. I really did that? I was really mindful. I loaded my plate up with lots of vegetables and not as much protein or rich foods. A nutritionist would be proud.
I also did a questionable thing. I am not sure if people are going to like what I am going to say. I called each party host to see what kind of food there was going to be at the party. Under the circumstances, I was in, the hosts appreciated the call. It really made them think through what they were going to serve. I offered to bring a dish that I could share with others. Some said yes, while others said no need. They would have something for me. It was no problem.
I was really grateful. Most people want you to have fun at their party and have no one complain about their food behind their backs. Of course, it does help that I can cook really well and know how to politely ask what they are serving. I told them I was flexible and could try out things … but just not too much. I know many of you are thinking I am crazy trying to eat healthy during the holidays. But, it can be done. It just takes a little preparation to have a good holiday, and feel wonderful afterward.
This salad is a great salad to bring to any potluck party or any party where you can offer to bring a dish. You don’t need to add chicken to it, if you are making it for vegetarians or vegans. It will last a good while out on a serving dish. There’s no yogurts or mayo that will make the salad go bad.
| Healthy Holiday Week 2016: Apple Pomegranate Cranberry Chicken Salad |
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 apple, core removed, large dice
- 2 cups roasted chicken, boneless and skinless, large dice
- 1 cup baby arugula
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate kernels
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts
- In a small mixing bowl, add garlic, pomegranate molasses, white balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and oil. Mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, add quinoa, apple, roasted chicken, cranberries, pomegranate, walnuts, arugula and dressing. Mix well.
- Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
It’s beautiful. It’s loaded with holiday colors of green and red. The flavors will delight your taste buds. There’s so many different textures that makes it fun to eat. It’s also beyond nutritional. It’s good and good for you. It’s also a salad you can eat everyday if you want to eat healthy.
We here at Be Mindful. Be Human. hope everyone has a happy, healthy and safe holiday. We hope you enjoy all the wonderful things that the holidays bring.