Healthier Holiday Eating
There is no doubt, this year’s holiday season will be somewhat different. Many families will choose smaller events with only the people in their bubbles. Even with less pressure and tension from serving and hosting large groups, the stress and isolation due to the pandemic is weighing on most people. The good news is that smaller gatherings can be more intimate and encourage healthier holiday food options.
Healthy eating tips for this holiday season:
Break from tradition: Instead of feeling like you need to hit on every tradition and make every single dish that you usually have at your parties, this is a great excuse to try something new. Consider a themed holiday dinner (think French countryside, Tapas, or even Harry Potter) and opt for healthier dishes that include grilled meats and vegetables. Building a meal around a soup, stew, or chili main course could also be fun. Not only do soups warm up a cold body, but they can also be quicker and healthier than traditional plated meals.
Include the kids: While kids love decorating sweets and cookies, also include the kids in making healthy dishes like a Christmas tree crudités or crudités wreath. Be sure to include more kid friendly veggies like broccoli, tomatoes or carrots. If veggies aren’t your family’s thing, try a fruit Christmas tree or Grinch kabobs.
Don’t go overboard: Unless you’re planning to make cookies or cakes as gifts for family and friends, limit the amount of sweets coming into the house. Pick a few favorites, but don’t get carried away. Odds are you will have less people coming over, so there’s no reason to make a never-ending array of cookies and cakes. If desserts are a key aspect of your holiday celebrations, look for ways to lighten things up with healthier recipes or by choosing to make mini versions of your favorites like these mini cheesecakes.
Go vegetarian: In addition to helping the environment, eating vegetarian is often healthier than meat-based diets. Consider integrating one vegetarian meal on a major holiday this winter. This list includes classics from broccoli-cheddar casserole to butternut squash and spinach lasagna—so the options are endless.
Integrate exercise: Hopefully you’ve already found a groove for integrating some exercise into your weekly routines. Exercise is so important because it releases endorphins, which will boost your mood and well-being. Never under estimate the power of exercise. It’s never too late to get started. Make it a point to integrate 20+ minutes of exercise on days where you will be eating more than usual. This can include many at-home activities such as walking and workout videos (yoga, aerobics, etc.). The key is to work in exercises with some consistency, even if it’s just a couple of times a week.