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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Katie Austin doesn’t believed in depriving yourself of sweet treats during the Christmas season. Cinnamon rolls and apple pie bites? Bring ’em on.
But she’s not a fitness influencer with 741,000 TikTok followers and her own workout app for nothing, and she’s identified four major 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 just how to enjoy the deliciousness of the holidays without gaining a ton of weight. In addition to her “don’ts,” the social media star’s shared some tips for staying on top of your goals — including some advice from her mom.
“I’m all about balance and making the most of life, especially during the holidays,” 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: The food guilt yo-yo
“A common mistake I see during the holidays is overindulging one day and then drastically cutting back the next because of food guilt,” Katie said. “This kind of yo-yo approach isn’t healthy or sustainable.”
Forget the regret, she says, and embrace the YOLO.
“Skip the guilt and focus on consistency — keep eating balanced meals, move your body, and remind yourself that it’s okay to enjoy special moments. You only live once, and the holidays are meant to be celebrated!”
Mistake #2: Focusing on just what to ditch from 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 sneak extra carrots into a holiday casserole? Add a scoop of nut butter for protein into your cookie recipe? Toss some greens into your morning smoothie? Little additions like these make a big difference over time and still allow you to enjoy festive foods.”
Mistake #3: Not reining in sugar cravings
“Portion control is key for me — I love indulging, 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 lots of water can help, too.
“Staying hydrated helps keep everything in balance, even with all the indulgent meals and treats. It also helps your brain realize, maybe I’m not hungry for seconds, maybe I’m just thirsty!” she added.
Together with eating more protein, hydrating can keep your blood sugar more stable, “so you’re less likely to feel those strong, ‘I need a sweet treat’ moments. It’s all about setting yourself up to feel your best while still enjoying the holiday magic.”
Mistake #4: Ignoring forever chemicals
Katie stressed that food and exercise aren’t the only keys to healthiness — your environment matters too.
“One area people often overlook is the safety of their kitchen and household products,” she said. “Many contain PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ which can be harmful.”
Forever chemicals have been linked to a whole host of health problems including cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, liver damage, asthma and obesity. One 2023 study showed that PFAS in the blood can promote weight gain and make it harder to lose weight, too.
Katie prefers using chemical-free, compostable options from Repurpose, for which she’s a spokesperson.
“They’re better for your health and for the planet — a win-win during this busy season!”
Mother knows best
To stay on track, Katie follows a few key pieces of advice from her mother, fellow fitness influencer Denise Austin, 67.
“One of the best pieces of advice my mom passed down is the idea of everything in moderation. Enjoy the holiday treats, savor the moments, but keep it balanced — it’s all about not overdoing it,” she said.
“She’s also a big fan of walks, and that’s something I carry with me, especially during this time of year. Whether it’s a post-meal stroll or just taking a moment to get outside and move, walking is such a simple but 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’re going to indulge …
While Katie is happy to let herself have some treats, she also gets creative with her cooking to make yummy foods a bit better for you.
“I love experimenting with healthier twists on holiday classics. Last year, I tried making “healthified” cinnamon rolls with my family, and they were a hit — still so cozy and delicious, but with a better-for-you spin,” she said.
She even shared her recipe for her Mini Apple Pie Puff Pastry Bites.
“These little treats are perfect for the holiday season — ideal for a cozy family dessert, entertaining guests, or when you’re simply craving a sweet, flaky bite.”
Ingredients
14 oz puff pastry dough cut into small squares to fit mini muffin cups
3 large Honeycrisp apples peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes
1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1.5 tbsp cane sugar
2 tbsp water divided: 1 for cooking, 1 for mixing with flour
1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour to thicken the filling
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Juice of 1/4 lemon to prevent browning and add acidity
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet or mixing bowl, combine diced apples, lemon juice, butter, brown sugar, cane sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding 1 tbsp water if it seems dry. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the apples soften and most of the moisture evaporates.
Stir flour into the apple mixture to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Roll out the puff pastry dough and cut it into squares slightly larger than the mini muffin cups.
Lightly brush each square with melted butter or line the 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 them to the top but not overflowing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tray.
Serve warm with a little optional whipped cream!
