Creating a Christmas Meal That Boosts Health
By Brandi Goodman
Many holiday meals are made for comfort. The classic offerings of mashed potatoes, ham, mac and cheese and others fill the table. These options may be tasty but they're also full of fat and calories. You'll quickly feel full and sluggish after consuming it all. Create a Christmas meal that boosts health by choosing more nutritious options with fewer calories and more vitamins.
Opt for Turkey or Chicken
Ham and roast beef are two popular meat choices at Christmastime. These two have more fat and calories than poultry options. Opt for turkey or chicken at the Christmas table instead for a healthier meal. They each provide lots of protein but are considered lean meat.
Skip the Stuffing and Casseroles
Stuffing and various casserole dishes are usually on the holiday menu. These are usually made with fattening ingredients and can raise cholesterol levels. Skip these side dishes and choose veggies instead. Rather than make a sweet potato casserole, for example, simply bake some sweet potatoes with spices for a healthier side dish choice. You'll get the fiber and vitamins from the potatoes without the sugar from the marshmallows that usually pair with them.
Start With a Salad
Some people don't offer salad to start their holiday meal. This is a mistake. You should have some form of salad on the table so guests can fill up on veggies instead of all the calorie-filled foods to come. Spinach is a great salad starter that can be topped with shredded carrots, diced onions, radishes, and other vegetables that add some crunch. Go light on the dressing since that's where a lot of the calories get added.
Put Out Fruits and Veggies for Appetizers
Many holiday parties start out with appetizers so people have food to graze on as time passes by, waiting on dinner to be ready. Lots of calories will already fill your plate once the real meal arrives so you don't want too many options set out beforehand. Put out fruits and veggies as your appetizers so people can still get a bite to eat without any empty calories, abundance of sugar, or foods that offer little value to the body.
Lots of health benefits are possible with a Christmas meal made up of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Boost your health this holiday season by choosing nutritious options or creating substitutes for your classic favorites.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.