“Eat, drink, and be Merry!” That’s one objective of the holidays and from November through December many of us do just that – often in excess. But holiday feasting doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits altogether. In fact, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the festivities while still making mindful choices that nourish your body. In this blog, we’ll explore a range of healthy holiday foods, delightful treats, and savory snacks that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your well-being.
Let’s start with some Healthy Holiday Foods categories.
- Lean Proteins. Foods with lean protein are always good, but especially during the holidays. These include roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or baked fish. These options are lower in fat and provide essential nutrients.
- Colorful Vegetables. Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, red peppers, tomatoes, red beans, red grapes, and strawberries add color and nutrients like Vitamins C and A, potassium, and antioxidants. Try roasting or grilling the vegetables for a change of pace to your holiday dinner.
- Whole Grains. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat bread, add fiber, B vitamins and several essential minerals to the holiday meal. The fiber also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Stuffing with herbs and fruits. Try adding fresh herbs, whole grains, apples, or cranberries to your stuffing for added flavor and nutrition. Consider using whole-grain bread and incorporating fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme.
- Fruit Salad. Sugar in several forms is added to many holiday recipes, so cut down on the sugar by using natural sweetness of fruits and berries for your salads and desserts. Create a refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and pomegranates. The natural sweetness of the fruits eliminates the need for added sugar. Make an apple or pear salad or add fruit to your Jello dishes.
- Healthy Gravy. Prepare a lighter gravy using low-sodium broth, skim milk, and whole wheat flour. This reduces the fat and calorie content compared to traditional gravy.
Now, for some Healthier Holiday Treats:
- Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is higher in cocoa content and lower in sugar. It also contains antioxidants that may offer health benefits. There are many flavored dark chocolate bars that you can eat like candy or add to your baking recipes.
- Fruit-Based Desserts. Apples, strawberries, and pears are used in traditional fruit-based desserts, but you can also find recipes using figs, cranberries, bananas, lemons, cherries, and oranges. When these fruits are used as close to their natural state as possible they are sweet and satisfying without excess sugar.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait. Greek yoghurt alone is a good source of protein and iodine and supports good gut health. Create a delicious parfait by layering Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. Add chopped nuts and top with a dash of cinnamon for a satisfying, protein-packed dessert.
- Spiced Nuts. Nuts are naturally high in protein, but you can ‘spice them up’ by roasting and topping them with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These make for a crunchy, protein-rich snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Now consider more Savory Holiday Snacks:
- Vegetable Platter with Dips. Serve-up a colorful vegetable platter with an assortment of vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Traditional dips include ranch, blue cheese, buffalo, and sour cream and onion. Hummus – which is cooked and ground chickpeas mixed with tahini sesame paste and lemon juice – also comes in many flavors and serves as a very healthy dip also.
- Popcorn with Herbs. Popcorn is great anytime but spice it up for the holidays by adding a pinch of sea salt, and a touch of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. This also ramps up the nutritional value of the popcorn. Now there are available many already prepared spices and sugary blends that you can add to your holiday popcorn.
- Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese. There aer dozens of varieties if crackers including many flavors of Triscuits and Ritz. Pick your favorite – or favorites – and add any selection of lower-fat cheeses for a satisfying and protein-rich snack. Many stores have cheese already sliced in small rectangles and packaged neat, easy-to-close-and-store packages.
- Stuffed Mushrooms. This is the king of holiday treats for many and it takes some time and effort – but it is worth it! For a healthy snack, use a mixture of spinach, garlic, and low-fat cream cheese. Of course you have to cook it! But these bite-sized treats are savory and satisfying.
- Fruit Skewers. These skewers also require some prep time, but this is the time to call in the troops and delegate slicing and skewering chores. Use a combination of fresh fruits like melons, grapes, bananas, pineapple, and other soft fruits. (They are easier to skewer.) The presentation adds a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Holiday feasting is fun and satisfying, but to keep your family and friends from overdoing it, you can prioritize their health and yours, but serving healthier foods for the holidays. By making mindful choices, you can savor the flavors of the season while nourishing your body and feeling your best throughout the holidays.
