Making Your Meals for Holidays Healthier

The holidays are a time for celebration, gathering with friends and family to share in each other’s joy. However, this often means that our diets become less than healthy. With all the tempting holiday foods around us, it is hard not to indulge in at least one of these items. But how can you make your diet healthier while still enjoying some of your favorite treats?

Explore some tips on how to make your holiday meal more nutritious.

Avoid the dishes loaded with excessive amounts of butter, cheese, and cream

One way to make your holiday meal healthier is by avoiding those dishes that are often loaded with butter, cheese, and cream. These dishes may taste good, but many have more fat and calories than you need in a day. Instead, look for substitutions that are just as tasty but healthier. For example, a pie is a perfect dessert to end a holiday meal. Instead of making it with sugar and butter, try using evaporated milk and applesauce instead.

Related: How To Financially Recover From The Holidays

Use skim milk instead of cream for lower fat content

Skim milk is a great way to reduce the amount of fat in your holiday meal. It is lower in calories and has less fat than cream. This means that you can enjoy your holiday favorites without feeling as guilty. Another benefit of skim milk is that it is a good source of calcium. This mineral is vital for keeping your bones healthy and strong.

Use lean cuts of meat

One of the easiest ways to make your holiday meal healthier is replacing some of the meat in your dishes with a lean cut. By using a lean cut of meat, you can reduce the amount of fat and calories in your meal. One example is chicken breast, which has less fat than dark meat. With some breading mix that’s crispy and savory, it’s still going to be a great fried chicken meal but with less fat.

Lastly, you can opt for leaner cuts of pork or beef in your holiday recipes. Pork loin has less fat than pork chops or pork ribs, and beef sirloin is leaner than prime rib.

Use spices to add flavor without adding calories

Using spices is a great way to add flavor to your holiday meal without adding extra calories. There are all sorts of different spices out there, so you can find one that will go well with the dish you’re preparing. Some calorie-free spices include black pepper, basil, thyme, and oregano. You can also use garlic, onion, or ginger to add flavor without extra calories.

Try adding beans to dishes

Beans are a great way to add more fiber and protein to your holiday meal. They are a healthy, affordable, and easy-to-prepare addition to your meal. There are all sorts of different beans out there, so you can find one that will go well with the dish you’re preparing. Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are great options for adding protein and fiber to your meal.

Make dishes from scratch instead of using canned goods for more nutritional value

Another tip to make your holiday meal healthier is to make dishes from scratch instead of using canned goods. Just by baking the vegetables instead of using canned soup, you’ll be adding more nutrients to your meal. Plus, it’s also cheaper to make everything from scratch. One example is mashed potatoes. Instead of using a package of instant mashed potatoes, make your own homemade mashed potatoes. You can control the amount of butter and milk in your mash and add more or less garlic to suit your tastes.

Use whole grains like brown rice, bulgur, and quinoa

Rice is a staple food for us, but you can make your holiday meal healthier by using whole grains like brown rice, bulgur, or quinoa instead. Whole wheat pasta is an excellent option for replacing regular pasta on the dinner table. If you’re making stuffing, try cooking it in whole-wheat bread cubes.

Instead of using regular pasta or bread rolls, try using whole-grain varieties

There are all sorts of different whole grain pasta out there, so you can find one that will go well with the dish you’re preparing. Whole-grain pasta is a great way to add more fiber and protein to your holiday meal. Another great option for adding whole grains to your holiday meal is bread. There are all sorts of different whole wheat bread out there, so you can find one that will go well with the dish you’re preparing. Whole wheat bread is a great way to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Cook your potatoes without their skin for fewer calories

One way to make your holiday meal healthier is to cook your potatoes without their skin. By cooking the potatoes without their skin, you’ll be removing the majority of the fat and calories. And it’s also great for protecting family members who have gout, as the skin is bad for them. One way to do this is by boiling the potatoes. You can also roast them or bake them in the oven. Just make sure to avoid frying them, as this is the most unhealthy way to cook potatoes.

The holidays are a time to indulge in our favorite foods. But don’t forget about your health. There are many ways to make your holiday meals healthier without sacrificing taste or nutrition. From cooking with spices and whole grains to making dishes from scratch and opting for leaner cuts of meat, there is something here for every kind of eater this season. Give these tips a try and see what works best at your table this year!