Make Healthier Holiday Choices
Ashley Goudey,
Nutrition, Food Safety & Health Agent
Choosemyplate.gov
has developed 10 tips for a heathier holiday.
By making small changes, you can make this holiday season light up with
healthier meals and active days.
1.Create Myplate makeovers
Makeover
your favorite holiday dishes. Use My
Recipe on SuperTracker to improve holiday recipes and get healthier results. Go
to https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/myrecipe.aspx
2.Enjoy
all the food groups at your celebration
Prepare
whole-grain crackers with hummus as an appetizer; add unsalted nuts and black
beans to a green –leaf salad; use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream in your
casseroles. Share healthier options during your holiday meal.
3.
Make sure your protein is lean
Turkey;
roast beef; fresh ham; beans; and some types of fish, such as cod or flounder,
are lean protein choices. When serving meats, trim away any fat before cooking.
Go easy on the sauces and gravies-they can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
4.
Cheers to good health
Quench
your thirst with low-calorie options. Drink water with lemon or lime
slices. Offer seltzer water with a
splash of 100% fruit juice.
5.Bake
healthier
Use
recipes with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas instead of butter.
Try cutting the amount of sugar listed in the recipes in half. Use spices to add flavor such as cinnamon,
allspice, or nutmeg instead of salt.
6.
Tweak the sweet
For
dessert, try baked apples with cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar instead of
apple pie. Invite your guests to make
their own parfait with colorful sliced fruit and low-fat yogurt.
7.Be
the life of the party
Laugh,
mingle, dance, and play games. Focus on
fun and enjoy the company of others.
8.Make
exercise a part of the fun
Make
being active part of your holiday tradition.
Have fun walking and talking with family and friends after a holiday
meal.
9.Enjoy
leftovers
Create
delicious new meals with your leftovers.
Add turkey to soups or salads. Use
extra veggies in omelets, sandwiches, or stews.
The possibilities are endless!
10.Give
to others
Spend
time providing foods or preparing meals for those who may need a little
help. Give food to a local food bank or
volunteer to serve meals at a shelter during the holiday season.
