Dieters and weight watchers around the world dread the holidays. Yes, it is a time of year to celebrate and be with loved ones, but it also a time of year with tons of delicious and fattening foods. This year, instead of humbugging your way through dinners and parties, follow these healthy food swaps. Switching out some of these fattening foods with healthier courses can allow you to enjoy this holiday season.
Don’t: Full-Fat Dips; Do: Yogurt Dips
It all starts with the appetizers. When the vegetable tray goes out with an array of dips, make sure you avoid the fatty options, like sour cream or ranch. Instead, substitute it with a nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt. An ounce of Greek yogurt only has 15-20 calories.
Don’t: Alcohol Calories; Do: Wine Spritzer
The quickest way to collect unnecessary calories this holiday season is through alcoholic beverages. A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine has about 150 calories. Replacing 2-ounces with club soda, which has no calories, makes your wine only about 60 calories. You don’t have to give up drinking, just make smart drinking choices.
Don’t: Candied Yams; Do: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Candied yams can have a ton of unneeded calories (about 215 calories in a ½ cup). Roasting sweet potatoes is a much healthier option. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Give them some extra flavor by brushing them with heart-healthy olive or canola oil, for a yummy dish that is only 100 calories.
Don’t: Dark Meat; Do: White Meat
The dark meat in turkey has about 40% more calories and twice the fat of the white meat. Sticking to a controlled portion of white meat is the much healthier option. For extra calorie reduction, avoid eating the skin of the turkey.
This holiday season, you don’t have to suffer and starve. Making healthy alternatives to some of the holiday classics can ensure that you get to enjoy yourself without risking the calories.
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