We’re in the thick of the holiday season, which means lots of parties, lots of drinks, and lots of food. Keep your health in check this holiday season with some simple tweaks to classic foods that still put that warm and fuzzy feeling in your tummy. Read on for four unique spins on holiday dishes that everyone will not only love but feel a little bit healthier after eating.
Mashed Potatoes
What’s a holiday meal without mashed potatoes? They’re creamy, smooth, and velvety. Packed with tons of flavor, mashed potatoes don’t need as much butter and fat as you might think. The secret? Substitute any cream for nonfat Greek yogurt or lowfat milk. Ditch the butter for chicken stock, or even olive oil, which is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. You don’t need to sacrifice taste with this healthy alternative mashed potatoes recipe.
Lasagna
Lasagna is that hearty meal that’s ultra-decadent in taste and ultimately … can leave you feeling extra full and bloated. Lighten up this year’s recipe by making a few simple changes to the beloved classic lasagna. Instead of using ground beef in the sauce, opt for a low-fat ground turkey. And for less carbs, swap out noodles for thinly sliced strips of zucchini. You’ll hardly notice the difference, while getting some extra vitamin A into your diet.
Fudge
Rich in flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, fudge is that delectable holiday treat that’s hard to resist. Satisfy your sugar cravings this season by making a healthier fudge, one that you don’t feel too bad about eating! This healthy peanut butter fudge is gluten-free, vegan, and made with just four ingredients. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and cocoa powder, this sweet treat is one that will surely impress.
Baked Ham
Baked ham isn’t all that bad for you, but there are surely ways you can make the sweet and salty meat a little bit healthier. Make a few simple swaps to cut down on the sodium and sugar. Instead of making a glaze with honey or fruit juice, try whiskey or brandy. This eliminates about 90% of the calories and alcohol once the alcohol is cooked. For less salt, use only half the amount of sauce that might accompany the ham, or go for a reduced-sodium version of Worcestershire or chicken broth.
Eat what you’d like with no shame this holiday season by trying out these four simple tweaks to classic holiday dishes. For more health, food, and lifestyle tips, stay tuned to the The Point at Town Center blog.