Why You Should Fill Your Holiday Plate With Veggies

By Brandi Swieter

During the holiday season, many people get together for all sorts of festivities. A husband and wife may spend a lunch with one side of the family and a dinner with the other, and then have their own meal together on the actual holiday. Still others get together for family holiday parties, work parties, and more, making a full season of eating and enjoying delicious treats. Rather than consuming the fattening feast each time, it’s best to watch what’s being put on the plate during the holiday season and be sure to add some veggies and healthy options instead.

Vegetables Have Health Benefits

There aren’t many health benefits to Christmas cookies, but there are plenty of them found in vegetables. Consuming more veggies on average can help people get the nutrition they need for their bodies to remain healthy during the cold season. Fiber found in broccoli and peas can help keep people regular, while broccoli and Brussels sprouts also contain Vitamin C to promote a healthy immune system.

Vegetables Have Less Calories

On average, vegetables have far fewer calories than other food items, especially desserts. Rather than consuming a large amount of holiday treats and gaining weight during the season, people can remain on the thinner side by switching out the sugary snacks for veggies instead. Celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce are among the vegetables with some of the lowest calorie counts, making them the best to enjoy any time hunger sets in.

Vegetables are Great Raw or Cooked

Vegetables do not have to be eaten in just one way. Many can be great either raw or cooked, giving people the option for how they want to enjoy it. Some people can’t stand cold broccoli but enjoy it when it’s cooked with perhaps a bit of cheese on top. They don’t have to be plainly flavored either. Sautee some veggies with spices to pack in the flavor and get some tasty concoctions to enjoy. It helps keep the plate more fun and enticing than having a bunch of cold veggies to crunch with no seasoning.

Nutrition is a serious matter that more people need to consider. While it’s fine to indulge in some of the holiday treats, holiday plates should be filled first with veggies to keep people full and receiving the benefits. A snack afterward won’t do much harm, but the entire meal should not consist of unhealthy options and fattening treats such as cookies and pie.

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