The holiday season brings opportunities for time shared with friends and family over meals or at holiday parties. We treasure these experiences but not the resulting extra pounds we can pack on during the season!
This year, consider healthier food choices while maintaining memory-making meals. Our team at Cary Orthopaedics has curated these yummy – and healthy – holiday recipes for you to enjoy.
Appetizers
Photo courtesy of Food Network
This holiday spread for crackers is festively green and nutritiously packed with healthy greens, delicious herbs and lean protein from walnuts.
This recipe features mushrooms, a mere ¼ cup of panko bread crumbs and light cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese) for a protein-filled, lighter appetizer. Added bonus: Mushrooms can help reduce joint inflammation.
Entrees
This moist and flavorful pork roast requires just a few ingredients and is a great source of protein. (Chef’s tip: Minimally processed pork is lower in calories and saturated fats than red meats and it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals.)
Warm up with this hearty protein- and veggie-packed winter staple. Loaded with sweet carrots, onions and savory tomato juices, this stew is not overly heavy.
Side dishes
Photo courtesy of This Healthy Table
Talk about adding color to your table! This flavorful side dish uses healthy, filling vegetables without excessive fats.
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
A nutritious update to a traditional Southern side dish, this casserole is full of Vitamin A and has just a touch of butter and sugar.
Desserts
Photo courtesy of EatingWell
This tasty seasonal staple uses the natural sweetness of fiber-rich dates and Gala apples to create a delicious dessert. Top with whipped cream for a nice finish.
These soft and chewy cookies are plant-based and packed with protein. (Chef’s tip: Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture!)
Need help embracing healthy choices this holiday season?
Try these healthy eating strategies:
1) Remember your goals – It’s easy to give in to overeating or overindulging when you don’t have a reason to say no. Create goals for your health, weight and fitness. Keep those goals in mind as you plan your holiday menus.
2) Make a plan to eat healthfully this holiday season – Creating an intentional plan for approaching holiday parties will empower you to say no to sugary beverages, rich appetizers and fatty foods. If you’re headed to a holiday party in the evening, have a low-calorie lunch (like Greek yogurt and a hard-boiled egg or a salad with light dressing).
3) Less can be more with holiday eating – Allowing your favorite foods but limiting your quantity can be a successful strategy for staying healthy. Instead of scarfing down five of Aunt Mildred’s bacon-wrapped sausages throughout the evening, take one or two of the treats – plus lots of veggies, fruit or lean protein.
4) Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables first – Veggies and fruits are a low-calorie, high-fiber way to feel full and prevent you from overindulging in less healthy foods. If your typical holiday get-together doesn’t feature healthy dishes, offer to bring a fruit or vegetable platter as your contribution.
5) Choose lean proteins – Healthy proteins include skinless turkey and chicken, lean pork (tenderloins or chops), white fish, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy products, like Greek yogurt.
Why does your orthopedist care about your nutrition?
We care about your overall health! A healthy diet makes people feel better, gives them more energy and lowers the risk of joint problems, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some types of cancer.
Our team at Cary Orthopaedics wishes you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy holiday season. We hope these healthy holiday recipes and tips empower you to pursue a healthy lifestyle over the holidays, into the New Year and for years to come.
