Holiday parties messing with your health goals? Here are 5 food swaps to help you stay on track.
Eating healthy at holiday parties can seem next to impossible. Endless pie options turn our stomachs into bottomless pits, and if you’re trying to be mindful of your health throughout the season, the options at holiday parties can be limited. But you don’t have to abandon your health goals every time the buffet table starts calling your name.
While traditional holiday dishes are often heavy and full of sugar, there are plenty of options already on the table that will keep you on track. Follow along for five healthy holiday staples that won’t leave you feeling bloated and groggy, plus, recipes from some of our favorite food bloggers to make these dishes even healthier.
Choose pumpkin pie over pecan pie
Most pecan pie recipes are sugar-rich and heavy on the butter, but pumpkin pie is inherently healthier thanks to its simple and naturally sweet filling that calls for less sugar and dairy.
Recipe we love: Pumpkin pie with cacao crust by Charley’s Health.
Choose roasted veggies over green bean casserole
Green bean casserole may seem like a healthy alternative to the heavy red meats on the holiday dinner table, but its cheesy base can be difficult to digest, and its heavy salt content is inflammatory and will leave you feeling bloated. Instead, opt for roasted veggies, which are full of diverse nutrients and will leave you satisfied but not stuffed.
Recipe we love: Roasted root vegetables with farro by Jessica Gavin.
Choose mulled wine over eggnog
Try out traditional mulled wine instead of heavy eggnog. Mulled wine is full of a variety of spices like cinnamon and cloves, with health benefits that range from preventing inflammation to promoting digestive health.
Recipe we love: Scandinavian glogg by Marianne Hope.
Choose crudités over cheese and crackers
Instead of filling up on cheese and crackers, which are full of empty calories, opt for the crudités plate with a dip that’s healthy and won’t ruin your appetite.
Recipe we love: Macadamia cheese crudités by Minimalist Baker.
Choose gingerbread cookies over other desserts
Ginger is known to soothe stomachaches and nausea, so if you’ve already filled up on dinner, gingerbread is your best bet if you’re still up for dessert.
Recipe we love: Dark chocolate gingerbread cookies by Whole Healthy Glow for Yahoo Lifestyle.
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