Serve This, Not That: Holiday Edition
These healthy swaps can make your holiday buffet a bit healthier without compromising any of the flavor or fun.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Instead of bacon-wrapped appetizers … serve stuffed mushrooms. Mushrooms make a nutritious and low calorie container for any type of savory filling. See also: Mushrooms: A Surprising Source of Antioxidants.
If you have time to make your own, try these Tofu and Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms or pick up some frozen ones to pop in the oven. (I’ll never tell.)
Instead of tiny quiches … serve phyllo-wrapped goodies. Flaky phyllo is lighter than pie crust but just as festive. Frozen phyllo-wrapped appetizers are also a welcome time saver for a busy host.
Instead of liver pate … serve sardine spread. I got this super easy recipe from one of the members of my 30-day Nutrition Upgrade™ group and intend to bring it to several holiday parties this year. It’s light, tasty, and packed with healthy omega-3 fats.
Instead of salted nuts … serve nuts in the shell. A bowl of mixed whole nuts along with Grandma’s silver nutcracker makes a beautiful holiday display for your table. Having to shell the nuts as you go also slows you down so it’s harder to over do. See also: Nut Nutrition Tips
Instead of sticky buns .. .serve a breakfast strata. Why not start the day with protein and vegetables instead of spending the morning in a sugar-and-flour induced coma? Try this Spinach and Feta Strata or. if you’re craving something a little sweet, an eggy Dutch pancake fits the bill. Both make easy but impressive one-dish Brunch fare.
Instead of M&Ms … serve dark chocolate-covered pomegranate seeds. If it wouldn’t be the holidays without a crystal bowl of candy on the sideboard, you can at least give your candy a nutritional upgrade. Stick to dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate—it’s lower in sugar and high in flavanols. Bonus points for a nutrient-packed center, such as these pomegranate seeds or edamame.
Instead of sugar cookies … make gingerbread men. Just as much fun to roll out and decorate, gingerbread cookies can be made with whole wheat flour, molasses, and dried fruits, making them a bit more nutritious. Try these whole wheat gingerbread cookies or substitute whole wheat pastry flour for half of the white flour in your favorite recipe.
See also: Better Results with Whole Grain Baking and How to Make Your Holiday Recipes Healthier
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.