Healthy Eating During the Holiday Season

By Donna Stark

Are your main food groups of the holiday season cookies, candy canes, and chocolate everything!? Delicious baked goods are a yummy addition to every meal during these cold, winter months, but at some point, those miniature cupcakes will begin to add up! Fortunately, there are many ways you can continue to enjoy these decadent sweets while still practicing healthy habits! Take a look at the following suggestions on how you can satisfy your sweet tooth while promoting a nutrient-dense diet!

Use Whole Wheat Flour

Switching out the part of the recipe that calls for all-purpose flour and replacing it with whole wheat flour is a great way to start meeting your health goals. Whole wheat flour is naturally high in fiber and vitamins. Fiber is an essential part of your diet that can aid in digestion, help control blood sugar, and boost weight loss. If you are not ready to make the full switch over to whole wheat flour though, don't worry! Start with baby steps by mixing your white flour with the whole wheat flour! 

Add Some Oats 

In addition to being one of the healthiest grains, oats are also one of the tastiest! They are jam-packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and protein! Oats are an excellent source of fiber and minerals that can help lower your blood sugar levels! Whether you choose to add oats to your holiday cookies, or if you just switch over to oat flour, these grains are going to nourish your body and your mind! 

Choose Healthier Ingredients 

Milk chocolate chips will always hold a special place in your heart (and stomach), but making the switch to high-quality dark chocolate can benefit your health more. Dark chocolate is one of the leading sources of antioxidants, so why don't you add some chopped dark chocolate into your cookies next time? And if dark chocolate isn't your cup of tea, there are so many other options you can choose. If you are looking for that extra sweetness or maybe even some crunch, dried fruits and nuts are a healthy alternative to those sugary pieces of candy. 

Reduce the Amount of Fat 

Reducing the amount of fat in your diet during holiday months may seem impossible, but there is a simple way to do it ... just reduce the amount of butter in your treats! An easy way that you can limit the unhealthy fat is by experimenting with different ingredients. This can be done by using alternatives such as apple sauce, mashed bananas, or peanut butter!

A Healthier Way to Eat

Nobody wants to give up their holiday treats and luckily, we don't have to! With the simple tips above, we can continue to indulge our sweet tooth without worrying about any post-holiday stomach bulge! 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Culver City, Calif.