For many people, enjoying the holiday festivities often comes with weight gain concerns. Fortunately, you don’t have to forego traditional favorites, such as baked ham and mashed potatoes. Instead, you can help your health by adding Alaskan seafood to your seasonal selection. To manage your meal prep during this time of year, here are a few points to know about serving fish over the holidays.

How Can Seafood Benefit Your Health?

Inhibit Weight Gain

Salmon and halibut are among the many Alaskan seafood options high in protein, an essential nutrient that supports bone and muscle health. Protein also helps you feel fuller so you won’t be as tempted to overload on holiday desserts. And since these foods are low in calories, they can help you savor the season without exceeding nutritional needs and promoting weight gain.

Support Heart Health

Many holiday foods are full of saturated fats, which, in turn, can raise cholesterol and increase heart disease risks. Fish, on the other hand, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a good fat that can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure levels to help curb heart disease risks.  

What Are Some Ways to Incorporate Fish Into Holiday Meals?

Dress Up a Fillet

Fish fillets can be prepared and shared as entrées during a holiday dinner. For a sweeter dish, consider baking foil-wrapped salmon with orange and pomegranate. For a savory entrée, bake a smoked halibut filet in foil along with olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic, parsley, and dried basil.  

Share a Party Spread

If you’re hosting or attending a holiday party, use smoked salmon to create a shareable party spread. To make this simple appetizer, combine about eight ounces of drained, flaked salmon with a package of cream cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, pecan bits, and chopped sweet peppers. Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve with various dipping foods, such as pretzels, crackers, celery, or carrots. 

Pair With a Fresh Salad

When you serve fish for the holidays, pair it with a fresh salad to enhance the flavor and compound nutritional benefits. Seafood works best with citrus and herb salads, such as fennel, arugula, and grapefruit combined with a lemon buttermilk vinaigrette.

When you want to reap all the rewards of fresh fish this holiday season, order from Alaska Sausage & Seafood. Based in Anchorage, this distributor offers a selection of premium Alaskan seafood, including smoked salmon and smoked halibut, to enhance any seasonal meal. To learn more about their vast product selection, visit this gourmet food company online. You can also call (907) 562-3636 to place an order.