Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Katie Austin doesn’t believe in depriving yourself of sweet treats during the Christmas season. Cinnamon rolls and apple pie bites? Bring them.
But she’s not a fitness influencer with 741,000 TikTok followers and her workout app for nothing, and she’s identified four big health mistakes she sees people making this time of year.
And thankfully, she’s also shared that apple pie bite recipe.
Katie, 31, has figured out how to enjoy the flavors of the holidays without putting on any weight. In addition to her “don’ts,” the social media star shared some tips for staying on top of your goals — including some advice from her mom.
“I’m all about balance and getting the most out of life, especially on vacation,” she told The Post. “It’s definitely possible to stay somewhat on track with your routine while still enjoying all the festive moments – it’s the little things that add up!”
Mistake #1: Guilt of yo-yo eating
“A common mistake I see during the holidays is to indulge one day and then cut back drastically the next day due to food guilt,” said Katie. “This kind of yo-yo approach is not healthy or sustainable.”
Forget regret, she says, and embrace YOLO.
“Skip the guilt and focus on consistency – keep eating balanced meals, moving your body and reminding yourself that it’s okay to enjoy special moments. You only live once, and holidays are meant to be celebrated!”
Mistake #2: Focusing on what to cut out of your diet
Instead of thinking, “What should I cut?” Katie likes to think, “What can I add?”
“Think about how you can incorporate more nutrients into your meals,” she said. “For example, can you put extra carrots in a holiday casserole? Add a spoonful of nut butter for protein to your cookie recipe? Throw some greens into your morning smoothie? Little additions like these make a big difference over time and still allow you to enjoy festive meals.”
Mistake #3: Not curbing sugar cravings
“Portion control is key for me – I like to indulge, but I try to do it in a way that feels intentional,” Katie said.
“Sharing a treat with a loved one or saving half for later are small habits that can help you enjoy the moment without overdoing it.”
Drinking plenty of water can also help.
“Staying hydrated helps keep everything in balance, even with all the delicious meals and snacks. It also helps your brain figure out, maybe I’m not hungry for seconds, maybe I’m just thirsty!” she added.
Along with eating more protein, staying hydrated can keep your blood sugar more stable, “so you’re less likely to feel those strong, ‘I need a treat’ moments.” It’s all about setting yourself up to feel your best while still enjoying the magic of the holidays.”
Mistake number 4: Permanently ignoring chemicals
Katie emphasized that nutrition and exercise aren’t the only keys to health – your environment matters too.
“One area that people often overlook is kitchen and household product safety,” she said. “Many of them contain PFAS, or ‘persistent chemicals,’ which can be harmful.”
Forever chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, liver damage, asthma and obesity. A 2023 study showed that PFAS in the blood can promote weight gain and make it harder to lose weight as well.
Katie prefers to use chemical-free compostable options from Repurpose, for which she is a spokesperson.
“They’re better for your health and the planet—a win-win during this busy season!”
Mother knows best
To stay on track, Katie follows some top tips from her mom, fellow fitness influencer Denise Austin, 67.
“One of my mom’s best pieces of advice is the idea of everything in moderation. Enjoy the holiday treats, enjoy the moments, but keep it balanced — it’s all about not overdoing it,” she said.
“She’s also a big fan of walking and that’s something I take with me, especially at this time of year. Whether it’s a walk after eating or just taking a moment to get outside and move, walking is such a simple yet effective way to stay active, clear your mind and feel good. It’s often the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference.”
If you will enjoy…
While Katie is happy to let herself enjoy a few flavors, she also gets creative with her cooking to make delicious meals a little better for you.
“I love experimenting with healthier twists on holiday classics. “Last year, I tried making ‘healthy’ cinnamon rolls with my family and they were a hit — still very comforting and delicious, but with a better-for-you spin,” she said.
She even shared her recipe for Mini Pie Apple Pie Pastry Bites.
“These little treats are perfect for the holiday season—ideal for a cozy family treat, entertaining guests, or when you just want a sweet, smooth bite.”
The ingredients
- 14 oz pastry dough cut into small squares to fit mini muffin cups
- 3 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons of cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water divided: 1 for cooking, 1 for mixing with flour
- 1.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the filling
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1/4 lemon to prevent browning and add acidity
GUIDELINES
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet or mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, butter, brown sugar, cane sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook the mixture in a pan over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of water if it seems dry. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the apples are soft and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Stir the flour into the apple mixture to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares slightly larger than the mini muffin cups.
- Brush each square with melted butter or place cups to prevent sticking. Gently press each pastry square into a mini muffin cup to form shells.
- Spoon the apple mixture into each pastry shell, filling to the top but not overflowing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is puffed.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tray.
- Serve warm with some whipped cream if desired!
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Image Source : nypost.com