Lindsay Keosayian has cultivated an impressive Instagram following of over 1 million fans simply by sharing new recipes almost daily from the kitchen of her Glen Mills home. Her tasty treats and eats focus on quality ingredients with no refined sugar. Keosayian also has some sound advice for resisting temptation and feeling your best this season.
Stay active. “Starting your day with some type of movement—a walk, a workout class, yoga, etc.—really sets the tone for the day and will help you feel energized and motivated,” says Keosayian, who recommends recruiting a family member or friend for a post-meal walk if you can’t find time in the morning.
Plan ahead. Never attend a party empty-handed. Bring a nutritious dish to share that can help you stay on track. “Since I love sweets, I always enjoy making a dessert,” Keosayian says. “My cranberry orange oat cookies (see recipe) are a great option if you’re looking for something without refined sugar that still satisfies your sweet tooth.”
Add color to your plate. Dress up holiday meals with fruits and vegetables. “It will look vibrant and beautiful and also provide an abundance of nutrients, which will make you feel good,” she says.
Don’t forget to hydrate. We often mistake hunger for thirst, making it easier to overeat. Stay hydrated to help control your portions. “Try infusing your water with sliced apples, pomegranate seeds and cinnamon sticks,” Keosayian says. “It’s delicious and packed with flavor.” A flavored water mixture also looks beautiful in a pitcher.
Eat mindfully. One of the best parts about the holiday season is a meal spent with loved ones. “Focus on slowing down, being present in the moment and savoring each bite,” says Keosayian. “Listen to your body and eat until you are satisfied—not too full. You will feel so much better the next day.”
Follow along on Instagram@lindsay.keosayian.
Lindsay Keosayian’s Cranberry Orange Oat Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy18
cookies25
minutes12
minutes37
minutesThese cookies use bananas and maple syrup for sweetness, so you can feel good about eating them.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
3/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
3 tsp. cinnamon
Zest and juice of 1/2 orange (use more if desired)
3 tbsp. pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- Optional Glaze
1/4 cup coconut butter (melted)
2-3 tbsp. maple syrup (room temperature)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, almond butter, cinnamon, orange zest, orange juice and maple syrup.
- Stir in oats and dried cranberries.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes for the mixture to firm up.
- Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
- For the optional glaze, combine melted coconut butter with maple syrup until smooth.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, let cool for 10-15 minutes, drizzle with glaze and enjoy.
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