Sensible Swaps for High-Fat Holiday Foods
Some suggestions for surviving the holidays with your waistline in tact:
- Enjoy yourself, but practice moderation. Fill up on the good stuff so you have room for only a few bites of the high-fat offerings.
- Get in some extra exercise around the holiday so you can indulge a bit without guilt.
- Try recipes from cultures around the world rather than always sticking to North American standards. Many international holiday dishes are lower in fat. They also taste great and look beautiful on a plate.
- Don't stuff yourself. It doesn't feel good and it won't help you look good. Focus on the flavors and textures and make dining a sensual experience.
Here are some more suggestions for wise holiday food choices the whole year 'round.
Easter and Passover
You can't talk about Easter food without giving a nod to eggs. Eggs are fine in moderation, but don't overdo it on the hard-boiled, mayo packed appetizers. They don't call them "deviled" for nothing. They're high in fat and cholesterol.
Enjoy all the beautiful veggies featured in the spring holiday spread, like mixed spring salad, asparagus, and green beans. Just skip the butter and creamy dressing.
If you have a choice between ham and chicken for Easter, go for the chicken. Ham is fatty and high in sodium.
For Passover, Use smart little swaps like egg whites in place of whole eggs and low-fat cream cheese in place of the full-fat variety.