My family embraces many traditions throughout the holidays. Our best Thanksgiving memories center around consuming a big meal while sitting around the table laughing, picking out our Christmas tree in the evening and decorating it. We even have a favorite song and a certain way we hang the lights and garland. Last year, I changed the garland to burlap and I thought I had a mutiny on my hands!
As we get older, I’m trying to implement some healthier meal alternatives for our family gatherings, and I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve been learning along the way.
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We seem to have more parties and get togethers with friends over the holiday season than the rest of the year. One of my plans for eating appetizers or snacks is to choose raw vegetables over crackers and salsa over spinach dip. Keeping mixed nuts on hand also gives a healthy snacking alternative for a pre-packaged snack mix.
If you’re a guest, offer to bring a healthy substitute. Your hostess will thank you and you’ll have the knowledge that there will be something nutritious to fill you up.
As I’m baking this holiday season, I’m keeping in mind that olive oil is a better substitute for vegetable oil, and oil and vinegar are better than bottled creamy dressing. Fat-free yogurt can replace sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes as well.
What about the turkey? I would definitely have some unhappy campers if I didn’t serve it, but since most of my family prefers the healthier white meat, cooking a turkey breast would be an option. I always cook my turkey in a cooking bag to retain the moisture and prevent it from overcooking. I simply add flour and seasonings and the meat never fails to be delicious. Use the stock from the turkey and make a healthier gravy with herbs instead of flour.
Does your family enjoy traditional cranberry relish, either from a can or loaded up with sugar? Try my Cranberry Orange Relish with fresh or frozen cranberries, grated orange rind and sections, blended together with a food processor.
Finding a leaner meat that your dining companions will appreciate is a good solution as well, especially if they’re willing to venture away from tradition. You could even try a meal without meat (although my family would protest!)
There are different ways to cook vegetables that might surprise you and even fool your family. I made mashed potatoes with very little butter or high-calorie ingredients and then added roasted cauliflower that had been chopped and mashed. If you have a food processor, it works much better, but I used my blender and masher and the difference in texture between the potatoes and cauliflower was hardly noticeable.
Steamed broccoli can replace broccoli casserole and fresh marinated green beans with vinaigrette can be substituted for a version with canned soup and mayonnaise.
I love my desserts, so any attempt towards a healthier choice definitely has to taste good! Fresh fruit is an obvious choice over baked pastries, and frozen yogurt wins out over ice cream. Choose shortbread over a frosted sugar cookie and pumpkin pie over pecan. If you’re like me and just have to have some chocolate, try using dark chocolate in your recipes rather than baking brownies. I made a Chocolate Ricotta Mousse that was better for me than one of my chocolate overload desserts!
Just as you plan all the details of a party, take time to plan ahead and prepare to make healthier alternatives in your food choices and your body will thank you!