Tips to avoid binge-watching guilt
Published 1:25 pm Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Dozens of streaming video providers are making it easier than ever to watch the TV programming you want when you want it, and exclusive programming re- leased an entire season at a time is transforming the way Americans watch TV. The flip side of this conve- nience is a surge in binge- watching, which can have some negative side effects, including binge eating.
When your favorite show is available back-to-back, it’s easy to let substantial blocks of time get away as you watch “just one more” episode to follow the twists and turns of the plot. In fact, according to a recent survey by Dole, the aver- age binge-watching session clocks in around 5 hours. The same survey found that more than two-thirds of people prefer healthy snacks to fuel their mara- thon viewing.
Treating yourself to an occasional binge session may give your brain a well- earned break, and it’s easy to do many forms of exer- cise in front of the screen. The trick to keeping your binge-watching session in check and getting rid of the guilt is to exercise good habits when you head to the kitchen.
1. Opt for snacks that in- clude valuable vitamins and minerals.
2. Keep your kitchen stocked with ingredients such as high quality, ready- to-eat Dole Jarred Fruit so you can create quick and easy snacks with a serving of fruit in between episodes or during a commercial break.
3. Look for quick solu- tions that help trim prep time and skip the cutting, peeling and mess.
4. Avoid waste or spoilage with convenient, re-sealable lids that let you use what you need for a single serv- ing and save the rest for later.
5. Get creative to satisfy cravings. Instead of reach- ing for cookies or cake, dip fruit in melted chocolate and pop it in the freezer. Let it sit while you watch a few episodes of your fa- vorite show and then enjoy.
Fruity Flatbread
Ingredients
Pre-made flatbread crust Broccoli rabe
Cooked, chopped turkey
bacon
Mandarin oranges
Directions
Cover flatbread with chopped broccoli rabe, turkey bacon and oranges.
Peach Parfaits
Ingredients
Low-fat yogurt Granola
Sliced peaches Mint
Directions
In a cup or jar, alter- nate layering yogurt, gra- nola and chopped peaches. Top with mint and serve immediately.
Brightened Up Caprese Salad Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella cheese Sliced peaches
Fresh basil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste Balsamic glaze
Directions
Arrange alternate slices of mozzarella and peaches. Sprinkle fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Avocado Toast
Ingredients
Avocado
Whole-wheat bread Sliced peaches
Salt
Pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
Slice avocado in half, remove pit and scoop out avocado into bowl. Smash until desired consistency.
Toast bread, layer with avocado and top with peaches. Season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
1-2-3 Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
Whole-wheat tortilla Spinach
Mandarin oranges Cooked chicken, chopped
Yogurt-based dressing of choice
Directions
Lay tortilla flat and add spinach, oranges and chick- en. Top with dressing. Fold, cut and serve.
Substitution: Preferred greens can be added in place of or in addition to spinach
Tropical Fruit Salsa
Ingredients
Tropical fruit
1 white onion
1 bunch cilantro 1 jalapeno
1 lime, juiced Tortilla chips
Directions
Chop 2 cups fruit, dice onion, chop cilantro and seed and mince jalapeno.
Combine ingredients and stir in lime juice. Serve alongside tortilla chips.
