As we get back into the groove of things and wake up from our winter hibernations - avoiding exercise, indulging in comfort foods, and adding extra pounds - we realize it's time to put away the bulky sweaters and ready ourselves for warmer weather.
With spring comes baseball games, weekend picnics, company crawfish boils, and patio parties, but unless you're careful to watch out for spring's most fattening foods, you may actually notice a few additional pounds rather than shedding your winter weight.
10 Most Fattening Foods for Spring:
1. Ice Cream!
Forget the toppings, candy mix-ins, and waffle cones. Instead stick with just a single scoop of your favorite flavor or better yet, choose frozen yogurt or sorbet. Decide to stock you freezer at home with calorie-controlled ice cream sandwiches or bars and maybe even try the new light ice creams. To me, they taste like the premium brands.
2. Chocolates
Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, need I say more. Chocolate is everywhere come Spring and while dark chocolate does show some health benefits in small portions, like an ounce a day. Although they are cute and delicious, try to steer clear of eating the whole chocolate bunny.
3. Seasonal Beverages
Margaritas, iced coffees, ice cream drinks, tropical cocktails and smoothies - beware. Liquid calories add up quickly, especially with a few margaritas under your belt. Be sure to know what is going into your drink and limit the high-calorie offenders.
4. Passover Desserts
Calorie landmines! Passover desserts usually are made with nuts, chocolate, and coconut. A bite or two won't hurt, and instead try to have fruit for dessert.
5. Coconut
You'll find coconut in Spring dishes everywhere. Whether it's shrimp, cream pies, cookies, cakes or smoothies, coconuts are still very high in saturated fat and calories. Stay away from the coconut laden dishes and instead settle for a sprinkle over top here and there for added texture and flavor.
6. Hot Dogs
Whether you like yours plain, with relish, or smothered in chili and cheese, try to limit it to one hot dog with one topping. A hot dog alone is loaded with plenty of sodium and is high in fat.
7. Brunches
Casseroles, quiches, sausage, cheese, butter, cream, cinnamon rolls, pastries, the list goes on. In lieu of hurting feelings or missing out on time with friends and family by all means have brunch, just don't go overboard. Be mindful to select more nutritious options such as whole grain breads, simply prepared egg dishes, sliced meats, and fruit.
8. Salads
Almost everyone enjoys a nice salad on a warm Spring day every now and then. Don't overload the good a salad brings to the table with tons of mayo, such as in chicken or potato salads. You can always swap mayonnaise with a light mayo or include other healthier ingredients like grapes with the chicken salad or green beans with the potatoes.
9. Dressings, Toppings and Sauces
Hollandaise, whipped cream, ranch dressing, they are all amazing yet super high in fat. Choose lighter versions of your favorite topper, keep you calories in check, or just add a little dab.
10. Grill Me!
Spring is when we like to fire up the grill and enjoy our burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and steaks. In moderation and small portions, these are okay. But better yet, why not fill you grill with lower fat items such as grilled poultry, lean meats, fish, fruits, and veggies.
Keep to a healthier diet this Spring. Your body will thank you.
