With the holiday season upon us, we tend to surround ourselves with family, friends and food. Healthy eating is still very possible during holidays, celebrations and gatherings. Here are a few tips to eating healthy around the holiday:
Serve up a variety. You can add all kinds of color and variety from all food groups by creating a buffet table.
Cheers to good health. Replace soda and sugary beverages by serving water or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint leaves. Or you can try seltzer water with a splash of 100% fruit juice with a slice of lemon or lime.
Make activity part of the fun. Play a game with family and friends to get up and moving after a heavy meal. Take a walk, laugh, mingle and dance. Even cleaning up after a big dinner is a bit of exercise.
Rethink dessert. Fruit platters or fruit salads are a great option. You can also put out all ingredients for guests to make their own trail mix, with a combination of peanuts, dark chocolate chips, dried fruit and even whole grain cereal.
Reduce food waste. Send guests home with leftovers. Add leftovers to other meals, soups, stews, sandwiches, salads and even omelets. There are a variety of recipes you can make with leftovers.
Try a twist on a dish. When baking you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter. When a recipe calls for cream you can use low-fat milk. Don't be afraid to experiment with low-salt herbs and spices.
Remember, the benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite!
