Holiday Dinner Ideas Made Healthy

By Brandi Goodman 

Many families fill the table with hefty helpings of meat, potatoes, stuffing, and all the trimmings during holidays, whether it's Easter or Christmas or any excuse to gather in-between. Rather than overindulging on fattening foods, it's best to create a healthier menu that boasts nutrition. It will provide you with the energy you need and not have you left in the typical food coma you may often feel with a holiday meal.

A Fish Entree

You may have been eating fish every Friday as part of the Lent tradition, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it in a unique way on Easter. Many families seem to choose ham or lamb on Easter. These meats aren't the worst to consume, but they are more fattening than fish. For a healthier meal, spice up a fish entree, such as a honey ginger salmon or a roasted salmon with green beans.

Starter Salad

Starting with a salad helps you fill up on veggies so you aren't overeating the rest of the meal.  All you need is a basic salad to get you started. Spinach is a better option over iceberg lettuce because it offers protein and other nutrients. Add in some cucumbers, carrot slicings, and your other favorite veggies for more color and nutrition. Use a light vinaigrette if you need dressing and skip the heavy ranch. 

Glazed Radishes

Radishes are more flavorful during their spring harvest. They're low in calories and pack a lot of nutrition in such a small serving. Enjoy some glazed radishes as a side dish to your meal. You'll gain Vitamins E, C, A, K, and B6 from this root vegetable.

Infused Water

You don't want to serve soda pop or juice on holidays like so many do. Infused water is a great option because it gives you extra nutrients from the fruit that's added to it. Raspberry lemon is a great option for spring.

Carrot Cake

You can't forget dessert. Carrot cake is a popular holiday option. Don't buy one from the store. It has added calories and sugar. Create a carrot cake from scratch for a healthier version. You'll want to substitute almond flour over the typical all-purpose and use coconut flour and unsweetened finely shredded coconut as well, along with your carrots. Unsweetened almond milk and pure maple syrup will help cut back on sugar and fat as well.

A healthy holiday dinner is possible. You just have to make some substitutions to your typical offerings or find some recipes that seem appealing to you. You can still enjoy your meal if it's made with healthy ingredients. They just have to be ingredients you're OK with. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.