Enjoy your favorite holiday treats!
Homemade Christmas cookies, fudge, peppermint bark, fruitcakes, charcuterie boards, and chocolate covered everything.
These are just some of the tempting snacks and treats that will be on prominent display at holiday parties and dinners. Healthy holiday snacking doesn’t mean complete avoidance of these holiday favorites but with a little planning and forethought, these festive flavors can be enjoyed while staying on your track with your wellness goals.
Go Nutty
Snack on nuts almonds, walnuts, and pecans as they are packed with heart-healthy fats and an array of vitamins making them a smart choice for snacking. They also satisfy the sweet and savory cravings and can be pre-portioned into snack bags for calorie control. Nuts can be livened up with different spices such as curry, cinnamon, and rosemary.
Say Cheese
Cheese is typically a main character during the holidays and a tasty indulgence. Choose cheese varieties that provide both flavor and health benefits. Feta, goat cheese, parmesan, and brie are options that contain an array of nutrients while being lower in added sugars, fat and sodium
Reach for Veggies
Filling your plate with veggies such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, celery and cucumbers as these contain fiber and can help with felling fuller longer. Veggies are also full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can not only help with weight maintenance but also help boost the immune system.
Satisfying the Sweet Tooth
Holidays and sweet treats seem like they are synonymous. These treats can be enjoyed with guilt especially when mindful choices are made. Consider choosing fruit-based desserts or fruits dipped in dark chocolate. When baking, sweeten with natural alternatives such as honey or maple syrup.
Other Key Tips:
- Portion Control: Use small plates or bowls to serve snacks, helping to avoid overeating.
- Don’t Graze: Choose two or three items to enjoy at a time and then move away from the table. Continuous grazing can increase calorie intake.
- Balance is Key: Combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
- Choose Nutrient Density: Opt for snacks that provide vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants instead of empty calories.
- Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas and limit the amount of drinks that contain added sugars.
Need some ideas for your upcoming Holiday event? Check out some of these Healthy Holiday Snack Recipes:
- Nutty Stuffed Mushroom – Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe: How to Make It
- Crunchy Vegetable Salad – Crunchy Vegetable Salad Recipe: How to Make It
- Vegan Paleo Pecan Turtles – Paleo Vegan Pecan Turtles – Real Food with Jessica
- Cranberry Rosemary Pomegranate Sparkler – The Blue Zones Meal Planner: Cranberry Rosemary Pomegranate Sparkler
– Dana Gardner, Registered Dietitian, MS, LD/N
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
December is National Pear Month, a time to savor and spotlight one of nature’s most versatile and nutritious fruits. Learn about this cornerstone fruit and its health benefits with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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