Now is the time that you are thinking, why can't I be loading right now?!? Don't worry! I have come up with a couple recipes that you can take to your Superbowl Party and not feel totally left out of the splurging.
More Cold, More Calories
During the cold months here in the Midwest, we are stuck inside and that leads to boredom and for me that can lead to EATING! It's true, during the winter months our bodies which are naturally at a temperature of around 98.6 degrees F begin trying to maintain a sense of balance between our internal temperature and the outside. This balance within our bodies is called homeostasis and of the ways we strive to achieve homeostasis that dates back to the caveman days, is by taking in more calories for those cold winter months ahead. This cold weather can trigger those evolutionary instincts that tell us to fatten up the way animals do in order to survive the dropping temperatures.
Colder weather is also accompanied by fewer hours of daylight which has a way of affecting our cravings as well. Sunlight is a factor that triggers the release of the hormone serotonin, which as most of us know has been shown to significantly boost your mood. Less sunlight equals less serotonin. When we are lacking in these higher serotonin levels we start looking for other ways to get them. What works just like sunlight when it comes to increasing this happy hormone? Carbohydrates! Say no more, this explains why we not only want more calories in general, but why we crave those comfort foods like creamy cups of hot chocolate and bottomless bowls of chili.
Not to mention, all the holiday eating. With our bodies doing what they biologically have done for all of time to survive, our lack of serotonin from the sunlight and gatherings like Thanksgiving and the Superbowl based completely around food, it is understandable. Of course, we tend to eat more and put on a few pounds during these months. Understanding why we struggle with this and knowing that it is normal and natural is part of the solution. It gives us insight into what to expect and how to plan. This knowledge turns into motivation and motivation into action.
So, here we are. A while back, I talked about Healthy Eating Strategies during holidays and the same apply for occasions like this. Obviously, plan ahead. Splurge wisely on items that are worth it and by still not overeating. This is also a great time to try intermittent fasting if you have not yet done so. It works great in conjunction with P2 of our HCG 2.0 protocol and it's a game changer going forward.
Variations Make Dieting Easier
Dieting this time of year can be hard. Thinking about eating a plain, cold salad just doesn't excite many people when it's also cold outside. To all of you who live where it's warm, remember how lucky you are! These HCG Diet Recipes can be put with some fresh veggies or a cold salad to warm it up a bit. A couple things to remember, there is right about 200 calories in one serving of this chili. Most of my recipes are under 200 but because of the beef and tomato base, it is a little more so I want point that out. Also, I prefer my chili on the thicker side so I didn't add any additional liquid. If you like yours with more broth you can add additional beef broth. Tomato juice will add to much sugar and carbs.
I have made 2 variations of hot wings here. These meatballs and drumsticks you can interchange with other sauces. I used Frank's Hot Sauce. I did not mix anything in with it. I have also included my low carb BBQ Sauce Recipe. I just got an air fryer and had to try it out with these. I was very pleased. I used the HCG 2.0 approved keto breading recipe, which is below. Since I knew I was going to sauce them I didn't include any extra salt or garlic powder but if you are using it alone, I would. I put them in for 20 minutes and then sauced them and put them back in for an additional 5 minutes to get them extra crispy. I have heard this called "trashed" wings or "dirty" hot wings. Either way, they were juicy inside and crispy and delicious on the outside.
Healthy is Your New Normal
With these HCG recipes, I hope you can go to that Superbowl party with a little more assurance. Dr. Zach and everyone here at Insideout Wellness most of all want you to know and see for yourself that eating healthy does not need to be awful. These recipes are healthier versions of what we love to eat. Do we always have to eat the healthier version? No, but experiencing the weight loss and the way your body rewards you when you do is your new normal. Embrace it.
Superbowl Chili
4 Servings
Ingredients:
12 oz. ground beef, must be at least 92% lean
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 TBS chili powder
2 tsp cumin
salt to taste (1tsp)
beef stock, add to your consistency liking
Instructions:
Begin by browning the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green pepper and jalapeno. Continue to brown until beef is no longer pink.
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste and the rest of the seasonings.
Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
4 Servings (Makes about 12 meatballs)
Ingredients:
12 oz ground chicken
1 egg, beaten OR 1/4 cup MCT mayo
2 sprigs green onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 TBS parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbs flour (coconut, almond, flaxseed)
1 cup buffalo wing sauce (I always use Frank's)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a baking dish with a spray oil or cover bottom with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the buffalo sauce. Mix well.
Dig in and form balls with mixture, should make about 12.
Place the meatballs in the baking dish. I covered mine to contain the moisture. You can also ensure this by adding a 1/4 cup of chicken stock/broth. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Toss with buffalo sauce and heat.
Air Fryer Skinless Buffalo Drumsticks
2 Servings
Ingredients:
4 Chicken Drumsticks, de-skinned
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Soy Milk, I used soy because it is a little thicker than almond
Breading: 1 cup original pork rinds, crushed
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup Frank's Hot Sauce
Instructions:
Remove skin from your chicken drumsticks if it has not already been done.
Prepare your egg and dredging stations by beating the egg and adding the milk.
Mix the breading for the second station.
Coat each drumstick completely with egg wash first and then breading. Place into air fryer basket.
Cook the drumsticks according to your air fryer manufacturer's instructions except take them out a couple minutes early of being completely done. Coat with hot sauce.
Place them back into the air fryer for and additional 5 minutes or so depending on how crispy you prefer them.
These are such a treat, Enjoy!
Adrienne's Easy BBQ Sauce - Low Carb
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 TBS white vinegar
2 TBS chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Whisk together all ingredients and put in a resealable container. I like to use a jar.
This will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
If you're unfamiliar with HCG 2.0, the blog linked here is a great place to learn the differences between HCG 2.0 and the original HCG diet, Pounds and Inches; A New Approach to Obesity.
You can also join our private Facebook group. If you're still bit skeptical of HCG weight loss, it's a great place go for genuine information from people just like you that once had the same questions and concerns that you have now.
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