I know, the title sounds too good to be true. But, it really isn’t! Let me make it clear though, that not all holiday foods are created equal. Your grandma’s pecan pie or your mother’s famous rolls won’t get rid of cellulite. No, these foods – delicious as they are – will only contribute to more bumps and dimples.
The “magical” holiday food I am referring to is both nutritious and delicious and a gorgeous accompaniment to both turkey and ham. No, it’s not stuffing or even gravy. It is simply cranberries!!
Cranberries are largely underappreciated and neglected all year long. They hardly reserve much space at the holiday smorgasbord, but they should! The ability to smooth cellulite is just one of many amazing properties of cranberries. This bright red berry is packed full of:
- Antioxidants: To fight off disease and slow the aging process
- Polyphenols: A potent form of antioxidant known to reduce the risk of cancer, strokes and heart disease
- Vitamin C: To boost the immune system
- Proanthocyanidins: To prevent the adhesion of bacteria, which is why cranberries are great for both UTIs and preventing cavities
- Resveratrol: The compound found in red wine renowned for its health benefits
- Flavonoids: To help strengthen capillary walls and connective tissue
But, how do cranberries actually smooth cellulite? Let me tell you!
Cellulite is often a byproduct of a sluggish lymph system. Your lymph system helps carry out bacteria, dead cells and trapped fat globules. But, unfortunately, it can become overloaded and sluggish. This can lead to unevenly distributed fat globules and fluid under the skin. This accumulation is also known as cellulite. Cranberry contain the compounds malic acid, quinic acid and citric acid to help emulsify those trapped fatty globules in your lymph system. This, in turn, smooths cellulites bumps and dimples.
Your lymph system is also a major part of your immune system. Keeping it flushed and running smoothly helps you fight viruses and bacteria much more effectively. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice each morning is a great way to incorporate cranberry into your diet. However, with the holidays upon us, a delicious cranberry sauce is another fantastic way to introduce more cranberries into your diet.
Homemade Cellulite Busting Cranberry Sauce
Store bought cranberry sauce should be avoided – it is not a health food. Rather, it is packed with white sugar and sometimes even contains the dreaded high fructose corn syrup! If you make your own cranberry sauce, you can add natural sweetener (like stevia) to make it a much healthier and lower in calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen whole cranberries
- 1 ½ cups filtered water
- ¾ cup of honey or 2 tsp of Stevia (I prefer Nu Naturals Brand)
Directions:
Rinse your cranberries in a colander and pick out any possible bad berries. Bring your water and honey (if you are using stevia, add later) to a boil in a saucepan. Add the cranberries and begin to stir. Turn down the heat to medium, but continue to stir and let it boil. Once the cranberries have popped and the sauce starts to cling to the sides of the pan, remove from the heat. At this time if you are using stevia instead of honey, add the stevia. Let cool and pour into glass jars. This sauce can be frozen and defrosted, as needed.
There are many variations you can make with the cranberry sauce, as well. This is a great time to experiment with what flavors you like best.
- Orange Cranberry: Replace the water with orange juice and add some orange zest once it’s cooled.
- Spiced Cranberry: Add nutmeg, cinnamon or some allspice while cooking.
- Ginger Cranberry: Grate some fresh ginger into the sauce as it cooks.
Holiday Health
Holiday food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. This year, you can end the holiday season with a new wardrobe. And I don’t mean a larger one. Add cranberry to your daily routine and flush out that excess fat and accumulated toxins. Watch yourself shrink and your cellulite begin to smooth. You will have the Happiest Holiday you’ve had in years!
