by Danielle Maguire, RDN, Nutrition Program Director
While Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are not shy on the calories, added sugars & fats, there is a way to cook with your health in mind. There are easy and healthy substitutions or nutritious additions you can make to ensure your holiday meal is still part of a well-balanced diet!
Healthy Swaps
Healthy Additions
- Add a Fruit or Vegetable: add shredded or pureed banana, pumpkin, apple, or carrot to recipes to boost nutrients, flavor and moisture. This may replace some of the butter or oil in the recipe.
- Add Herbs & Spices: Add herbs, spices, citrus juices or vinegar to replace the table salt.
- Add Protein: Add plain Greek yogurt to replace sour cream or mayonnaise to decrease the calories and increase protein!
In addition to making healthy substitutions or reducing added saturated fat and sugar, it’s also important to watch your portion size. Make dessert portion control easier by preparing mini-desserts such as mini cupcakes, cut pie or brownies into smaller slice, or portion cookie dough using a smaller scoop!
This holiday season, let’s celebrate not just the joy of the seasons but also the gift of health. Let’s embrace our nutritious traditions, stay active, and connect with loved ones to create a festive atmosphere that nourishes our bodies!
