Losing weight isn’t always an easy endeavor. Trying to lose weight during the holiday season can be even more difficult for dieters. With such an abundance of delicious foods present during the holidays, it can be hard to say no to favorite holiday foods, or to opt for healthier food choices instead. Here are some healthy alternatives to many holiday favorites.
Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole is a favorite among many, however, the traditional version of green bean casserole contains milk and high-fat cream of mushroom soup. Dieters can prepare a lower-fat and lower calorie version of this delicious dish by using skim milk or soy milk in place of regular milk, and by opting for the lower-calorie version of cream of mushroom soup.
Sweet potatoes
Another holiday favorite that can be hard to turn down is sweet potatoes. Many families prepare sweet potatoes with brown sugar and countless cups of melted marshmallows on top. As you can imagine, this isn’t the healthiest or lowest calorie option. Instead of preparing sweet potatoes with sugar and marshmallows, try baking them with cranberries and walnuts. If you feel like adding a little zest, drizzle some lemon juice on top before you bake them.
Stuffing
Stuffing might seem healthy, but it can actually be quite fattening and full of carbohydrates. To lessen the impact holiday stuffing has on your waistline, try substituting a portion of the breading for cranberries, walnuts and rice. If you want to replace the bread entirely and reduce calorie content greatly, try making a brown rice stuffing instead. Be sure to include vegetables such as celery, onion and even beans.
Gravy
Gravy is a big holiday favorite. From drizzling gravy across turkey meat and drenching mashed potatoes in it, gravy is a delicious, but high in calorie addition to any dish. Instead of using a traditional gravy, opt for a lower calorie gravy mix, such as the ones available in many stores. If you’d rather not give up the gravy, place a couple tablespoons on the side of your plate and dip the food on your fork into the gravy before you take a bite. You’ll consume a lot less this way.
Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie is certainly a holiday favorite, however, pumpkin pie is often made with condensed, sweetened milk and is loaded with calories and sugar. Instead, opt for a low-calorie pumpkin pie, preferably with a very thin crust, and made with skim milk (soy or almond milk is even better) and low-amounts of sugar.
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