The holidays are often filled with traditions that include some of our favorite meals and foods. As you celebrate, think of little changes you can make this holiday season to create healthier meals and active days. Here are a few tips to help make your holiday dishes a little healthier.
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; include fresh fruit at the dessert table; use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream in your casseroles. Share healthier options during your holiday meal.
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. Trim fat when cooking meats. Go easy on the sauces and gravies – they can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
Bake healthier
Use recipes with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas instead of butter. Try cutting the amount of sugar listed in recipes in half. Use spices to add flavor, such as cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg instead of salt.
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.
To help families stick to a budget and have healthy meals during the holidays, SNAP-Ed Connection and the USDA have created a variety of healthy recipes. You can find Healthy Thrifty Holiday Menus at https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-
education/healthy-thrifty-holiday-menus.
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