There is so much to look forward to during the holiday season – family gatherings, a festive atmosphere, and all the delicious food! If you find yourself in a food coma more often than you would like, you are not alone! Even though holiday food is delicious, it is not known for being healthy. Luckily, there are simple swaps that you can do to be a little bit healthier this season!
| Skip | Healthier Swap |
| Dinner Rolls with Butter | Salad topped with nuts – A salad loaded with healthy, satisfying toppings provides much more nutritional value and variation. |
| Green Bean Casserole | Green Bean Almondine – Sauteed green beans with sliced almonds provide antioxidants and healthy fats and allow a flavor accent that compliments rather than overpowers green beans. |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Yogurt Veggie Dip – An equally creamy dip option, yogurt veggie dip made with plain Greek yogurt offers gut-friendly probiotics and is lower in calories. |
| Candied Yams or Sweet Potatoes | Roasted Yams and Parsnips – This lighted version provides just as much sweetness, fewer calories, and added sugars. |
| Peppermint Bark | Dark Chocolate – Chocolate with 70% cocoa or more has less added sugar and more antioxidants. |
| Fruitcake | Gingerbread – Similar to fruitcake (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice), Gingerbread has much less sugar. |
| Frosted Sugar Cookies | Coconut Macarons – Macarons provide just as much sweetness compared to sugar cookies. *Dip them in dark chocolate ganache for a frosting sensation.* |
| Bread Pudding | Baked Apples – A baked apple dish is as satisfying and sweet as classic bread pudding, provides anti-inflammatory nutrients, and helps improve insulin levels. |
Photo by Nicole Michalou
Source:
https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g29848433/healthy-holiday-food-swaps/
