4 options that make a holiday meal a little healthier
Holiday meals are all about celebrating food. You don't have to deprive yourself to eat healthy, but if you're keeping an eye on calories, fat, or carbs, make a few tweaks to your menu.
Roasted sweet potatoes
- In place of candied yams or mom's traditional sweet potato casserole, serve oven-roasted sweet potatoes.
- You'll save at least 150 calories, and get a helping of vitamins and nutrients.
- Drizzle sweet potatoes with olive oil and roast in a preheated 425° F oven for about 30–35 minutes.
Turkey breast
- Roasted turkey breast is lower in calories and fat than other traditional main dishes like ham and particularly roast beef. (Remove the turkey skin to cut more calories.)
- Turkey provides essential B vitamins and also omega-3s. It's a good source of zinc and other key minerals. Remember, though: Adding gravy changes the equation.
Pumpkin pie
- If you have a choice of pies, pumpkin is usually your better bet. Lack of a top crust automatically saves calories and saturated fat.
- Pumpkin is low in calories and high in vitamin A, which is good for your eyes and skin. It's also a very good source of fi ber, which keeps you full and makes a second helping less tempting.
Lower-carb vegetables
- It's smart to fill half your plate with vegetables, any vegetables, but if you're counting carbs or calories, it's even better to go with broccoli, caulifl ower, beets, cabbage, and spinach.
- They contain little starch and are high in antioxidants that protect your body during cold season. They're also a source of fiber.
