By Janet Seiber, RD, LDN  

Healthy Holiday Recipes Below! 

Each year the holiday season overflows with high calorie meals. It is a struggle to eat right and exercise during this busy time. A survey by Kaiser Permanente found that 46% of Americans say they tended to gain "a few pounds" during the holiday season. With the right planning and preparation, this year doesn’t have to mean you will gain weight or alter your blood glucose and lipids.

Planning ahead can maintain balance to special occasion menus and weeknight meals. Start with keeping a calendar of events for November through January. Jot down the days you will be attending special holiday functions. Write in any healthy and delicious dishes you could contribute to the spread. Also keep in mind any healthy weeknight meals that are simple to prepare on the off nights. Note on the calendar which days to grocery shop to ensure a well-stocked kitchen. Don’t forget to make time to exercise, especially right around a large holiday party.

Make this year different by trying recipes that will promote health and maintain flavor. Most recipes can be modified slightly to increase the health quality of the dish. Recipe substitutions include brown rice, whole wheat rolls, olive oil, trans fat free margarines, reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream, skinless breast meat poultry, and round or loin cuts of beef and pork. Healthy indulgence can be achieved by using ingredients such as pomegranate, nuts, dark chocolate and more. Be sure to incorporate fruit and vegetables into these special seasonal items. To save time, use reliable resources such as the Healthy Living Kitchen and the American Heart Association to find recipes.

It is time to break the old habits when it comes to handling the overindulgence of the holidays. There is no need to deprive oneself of food. Instead of mindless eating, be aware of all the food available and decide which you really want. Choose foods you truly enjoy and keep portion sizes small or crowd out a heavy dish with plenty of other lighter sides made with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This way you get to eat the desired food without too many calories or guilt.

Holiday treats around the office also can be a problem. Pick and choose which one to sample then stick to the wholesome snacks such as fruit, light yogurt or snack-size popcorn. Take a bottle of water with you to holiday parties and meetings.

Letting yourself get too hungry can sabotage anyone’s healthy eating plans. Do not skip meals early in the day to eat more later. Instead eat smaller, lower calorie meals and snacks during the day so you can enjoy the party foods without overloading calories from excessive hunger.

Make this season bright by committing to plan ahead, freshen up recipes and make mindful eating choices.

Healthy Holiday Recipes

These healthy holiday treats will keep your holidays happy while warding off extra unwanted pounds.

Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Walnut Dressing 
Baked Salmon Dijion 
Banana Nut Bread 
Cranberry Apple Relish 
Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake  
Eggnog Shakes 
Green Bean Sauté 
Harvest Pancakes 
Honey Rosemary Pork Loin  
Pumpkin Mousse Tarts 
Surprise Meringues 

Click here to share your healthy holiday recipes with us!

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