With Christmas holidays and cold weather approaching, we usually tend to eat more and especially eating lots of sweets and desserts this time of the year. Here are some tips to manage eating more calories during holiday season and to stay fit without gaining extra weight. First you need to start the day with a filling and healthy breakfast, which can keep your blood sugar at a good range. For example, porridge (you can use instant oats or quick oats) with milk or any alternative like almond milk, sliced fresh fruits like banana and apple, handful of cranberries, and cinnamon. You can also add chia seeds and pomegranate seeds for better nutrition. As a sweetener you can add a bit of maple syrup. Another idea is to add probiotic yogurt instead of milk to boost your immune system and promote better digestion. Good hydration is also important during festive season since we tend to drink more alcohol. It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day but also you can get your hydration through freshly squeezed juices or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint tea. When doing family dinner or lunch gatherings, it is important to select healthier food choices from the buffet. One tip is to fill most part of your plate with roasted veggies like squash or veggies in a form of salad and then add some protein like chicken, salmon, quinoa and carbs like rice, potatoes or sweet potatoes. It is extremely important not to skip any meals and include all the nutrients needed at every meal. There is no way we can eliminate dessert consumption since it’s the holiday season. You can find healthier dessert options in the market or is better to bake them on your own. You can use alternative to regular sugar like maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar or monk fruit when making the desserts. You can consume smaller portion of the dessert but make sure you enjoy it since is a festive time of the year. Another important thing is to take time to eat your food and also enjoy it. Including also some exercise activity is important. For example, skating or going for a hike or doing exercise at home. Last but not least make sure you enjoy your time and your food and drinks during the holidays and have a good time with your loved ones.

Corinthian raisin is the small black raisin and is considered to be a superfood in Greece. It has a variety of antioxidants It reduces LDL cholesterol which is considered as the "bad" cholesterol Lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (condition that a plaque is build in the arteries) Brings diastolic blood pressure down to people with type 2 diabetes without giving them an issue for their blood sugar since is considered to have low GI Prevents cancer from happening in the stomach and the intestine It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The recommended portion to be consumed is 2 tablespoons per day which is same as eating one fruit. Mastiha Chios is also one of the main Greek superfoods with a lot of health benefits. It can help in better digestion and can reduce acid reflux It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties It can protect your oral health Reduces risk of atherosclerosis Can also help heal skin conditions Can also be consumer in a form of a supplement or added in water for better flavour and hydration Therefore is good to incorporate those two superfoods into our diets since they both provide so many good health benefits.