It’s that time of the year again, and we can’t help but indulge. Granted, it’s the time to be merry and enjoy the ever so tempting creamy and delicious foods.
Yet, numerous studies reveal that individuals often gain between one to two pounds each year. Moreover, these extra pounds are often gained during Thanksgiving and New Year celebrations. What’s even more alarming, most people never lose the added pounds.
Ultimately, if no weight- loss efforts are made, the pounds tend to accumulate over the years. Here’s the good news: you can still enjoy your festive foods, only in a healthier way. Below, we take a look at a few healthy substitutes to popular holiday foods.
Mashed Potatoes
What’s a holiday worth remembering without mashed potatoes, right? This dish has been passed down from one generation to the next. Hence the reason it remains as a traditional holiday meal. According to a dietitian nutritionist, Vandana Sheth, mashed cauliflower make a great substitute. Not only is mashed cauliflower tasty, but this dish is packed with Vitamin C. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can still stick to mashed potatoes. However, do not peel the skin of the potatoes as they contain several beneficial nutrients. Additionally, replace whole milk and butter for skim milk instead.
Cranberry Sauce
Ever wondered why Cranberry sauce is so sweet and so rich in terms of texture and color? Well, this sauce is often loaded with corn syrup and sugar, ingredients that are detrimental to our health.
Why not make your own cranberry relish dish, without the unnecessary amount of sugar? Instead, use healthy sugar alternatives such as stevia while preparing your relish.
Prime Rib
As tasty and irresistible as prime rib can be, it is extremely fatty. One ounce of prime rib is known to contain at least 4 grams of fat. It goes without saying that this mouthwatering dish is not waist-friendly at all. Instead of prime rib, opt for healthy yet delicious substitutes such as flank steak, turkey and filet mignon. Do not be afraid to give fish a try as well.
Vegetable Casserole
How can something made with vegetables be unhealthy? Well, any vegetable smothered in cream, cheese, and/or sugar are far from healthy. From sweet potato casseroles to green bean casseroles, our favorite casseroles are all loaded with calories.
Once they are covered in fat and sugar, they make for a better dessert than a tasty dish. Instead of using sugary toppings such as marshmallows, try grated ginger or almonds. Whilst cooking your casserole, use healthy oils such as olive or coconut oil as well.
Pies
This list would not be complete without mentioning the star of the holiday feast. From apple and pumpkin pies to banana pies, they are simply irresistible. Besides, half of the pie is made of fruit, right? Wrong.
Pies are often doused in sugar, butter, and cream. The crust is the main culprit as it contains most of the calories. Because pie crusts are made with white flour, a slice of fruit pie essentially contains little to no nutrients.
Substitute pies with soufflés, baked or roasted fruits, or even a simple fruit salad. If you simply cannot go without pie, make the one-crust version. Mock cobblers are known to come in handy in such instances.
Be sure to try out substitutes if you can! But most importantly, enjoy the holiday. If substitution is not in your wheelhouse, practice portion control. Any efforts towards a more healthy lifestyle has benefits!
