5 Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays
It is clear that summer is the holiday season – there is no dispute on this issue. But during our travels and entertainment we often forget about our healthy diet. If you still stick to proper nutrition and you are wondering exactly how to combine it with your plans for sea or mountain adventures, maybe these few tips are just for you.
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays?
Make a List With Forbidden Foods
Something very valuable, especially for people with digestive or gastric problems. They certainly understand well what we mean, but we will explain to everyone else. And in the beginning we clarify that we do not need to be very drastic to eat relatively healthy, even when we are out of town.
The easiest way is to make a list of foods to avoid. This does not mean that we will deprive ourselves, we will just be careful. This list is good to include fried and greasy things, as well as very salty packaged products and sausages. And if you’re wondering why it’s so important, it’s good to know that it won’t hold water or fill you with toxins.
Think About Places to Eat in Advance
When we go to the sea or the mountains, we choose a place to sleep in advance. At the same time, however, inquire about the places where you will be able to eat. If you prefer and have such an opportunity, you may prepare your own food. In case you are going to eat in a restaurant, ask in advance where delicious and quality dishes are offered.
Don’t Hurry – Positive Emotions Will Not Escape
Clearly, adventures can’t wait, but you don’t need to rush all the time. Take enough time for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, because they are valuable both for energy and for sharing time with loved ones and friends. And if you’re still in the rhythm of the big city, slow down a bit, eat something tasty, take some drink and enjoy the company.
You Have to Limit Fizzy Drinks
We know very well that gin goes with a tonic and rum with a cola and we do not say that they are forbidden, but we do not need to pour carbonated drinks from morning till night. We will save you explanations of how harmful they are to your health, because we believe you are aware. We just want to point out that there are healthier and more enjoyable alternatives. Think about them!
You Don’t Overdo With Sweets
It is true that the vacation is time for relax, but you do not want to try to lose the extra pounds next two months, right?!. Not to mention the harm to health from excessive amounts of jam… So you better sweeten your life with some fruit or dark chocolate.
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And for those who have a trip to Sofia – no matter for work or just for a walk, know that Art Hotel Simona can offer unforgettable experiences in an artistic rooms at reasonable prices. And all this 3 km from the city center and with impeccable hygiene measures, as the new reality requires. And for gourmets, the Simona restourant has a wonderful list of specialties that you will find hard to resist.
We are expecting you!
Dietary Summer Cocktails for a Great Mood
Summer somehow predisposes us to be more cheerful and adventurous. Well, not everyone can afford to be somewhere on the beach during all the warm months, so we at Art Hotel Simona will help you smile with the recipes for some easy, dietary and quite pleasant cocktails. Some of them are ideal for people who avoid alcohol, too.
Top 5 diet summer cocktails
We start with the non-alcoholic cocktails that you can cool off with, even when you are at work. Aromatic, fresh and quite pleasant… In addition, you do not need to worry about calories, because they are as small as possible. If you still prefer to relax with a little alcohol, know that there are such dietary ones. Just enjoy the taste.
Raspberry Smoothie with Poppy Seeds and Coconut
- 300 g of raspberries;
- 500 ml of coconut water;
- 3 tbsp. agave syrup;
- 2 tbsp. poppy powder;
- Chia for sprinkling;
- Lemon for arranging.
It will take you 10 minutes, and you will have cocktails for three people and the party can begin. Before that, however, clean and wash the fruits, then put them in a blender with agave syrup (if you do not have, you can replace it with honey), maca and coconut water. Mix well and serve in tall glasses, sprinkle with chia on top and decorate with fresh Lemon balm leaves.
Warning: If you have not heard of maca, we will tell you immediately. This is the edible root of a plant coming from the Peruvian Andes. It is rich in carbohydrates and charges the body with energy, strength and endurance. It also helps against stress, tension and depression.
Orange Slash with Pineapple
- 2 tsp frozen pineapple slices;
- 1 tsp Orange juice;
- 1 soda (lemon or lime flavored).
Put everything in a blender, but add the orange juice gradually until it mixes homogeneously with the other ingredients. If you also want some alcohol, you can add Bacardi.
Lemonade with Strawberries and Basil
- 500 ml of water;
- 500 ml soda;
- 8/9 large strawberries;
- 7/8 basil leaves;
- 2 limes;
- Ice.
Pour the water and soda into a jug, then add the strawberries and basil leaves. Squeeze one lime in the jug and cut the other into slices and also add it to the other ingredients. Then cool for about an hour, add ice and you can serve. If you want the cocktail to be a little stronger, add rum to your liking.
Kiwi Daiquiri
- 45 ml of white rum;
- 1 kiwi;
- 1 tbsp. lime juice;
- ¼ tsp lemon peel;
- 2 tsp. agave nectar;
- 250 ml of ice.
Peel and slice the kiwi, then beat all the ingredients in a blender and serve in a cold glass decorated with pieces of kiwi.
Margarita Hibiscus
- 45 ml of tequila;
- 120 ml of iced hibiscus tea;
- 1 tsp agave nectar;
- Ice.
Put everything in a shake and beat, then strain and serve in martini glasses. Rub the rim of the cup with orange peel and use it as a decoration.
Summer Sofia – Another Opportunity for a Great Vacation
If we decide to focus on the positive, we will notice how great Sofia is. Especially in the summer, when the traffic has significantly decreased and the view of Vitosha is more beautiful than ever. Here we can find everything – historical and cultural landmarks, beautiful nature, entertainment, sports…
What to Do in Sofia During the Summer?
Lakes
There are lakes in the middle of the city, and others – very close, but in the nature. For fans of urban coziness, Lake Ariana is a very good option. In summer you can ride a water bike or a boat there, and then take a walk in the Borisova Garden Park.
If you prefer the “escape” among the greenery, we recommend Boyana Lake, which you can combine with a visit to Boyana Church and Boyana Waterfall. The eco-trails there are well marked, so you can’t get lost.
Another great idea is Pancharevo Lake, located in an extremely picturesque area. If you want go water skiing, you can try Kazichene Hydropark.
Mountains
Coming to Sofia and not seeing Vitosha is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope, as they say. During the state of emergency, even walking in the mountains was banned, but we can now catch up. In addition, the museums of Vitosha are opened, so we have many opportunities for a pleasant stay. Otherwise, the Golden Bridges is among the most preferred places.
Lyulin mountain is a slightly underestimated alternative to Vitosha, which, however, guarantees a much calmer stay. So if you prefer more intime place, enjoy the charm of Lyulin. And if you think you can walk, climb Dupevica or try the Esperanto eco-trail. If not, just choose a suitable place to have a picnic.
Pools
It is true that it is difficult to imagine Sofia as a sea, but there are great places for summer water fun here, too. You can choose from many pools and swimming complexes. Some of them are more for rest and sunbathing, but there are also some more suitable for swimming as Dianabad and Spartak. If you want something more interesting and with more fun, do not hesitate to go to the hydro park “Windmills” in Gorna Malina.
Extreme experiences
The world, seen from above, sounds like a great offer, doesn’t it ?! And how about seeing Sofia from the sky?! Ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping or parachuting, ATV off-road challenge on specially selected routes, shooting training… Browse the web and you will find countless offers.
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We at Art Hotel Simona are waiting for you to make your stay a real experience. Simona Restaurant will take care of the delicious side of things.
We are expecting you!
