Holiday eating can be challenging when you're trying to make healthy food choices. It’s easy to overeat at family gatherings or office parties and difficult to stay mindful of what you're eating. As you celebrate, use these tips to make healthier decisions this holiday season.

3 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

1. Bake Healthier

While baked treats, such as cookies, cakes, and pies, are tempting, they're often filled with unhealthy ingredients, including sugar, butter, and oil. If holiday baking is a tradition in your home, use healthier alternatives, such as substituting mashed banana or apple sauce in place of butter and oil.

Look for low-sugar recipes, or cut the amount of sugar in half. Use spices like cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg to add flavor rather than salt. Also, consider using whole-wheat flour or low-carb options, such as almond and coconut flour.

2. Start With Vegetables

When building your holiday plate, always start with healthy food choices, like crudités, vegetable soups, or salad. They supply valuable vitamins and minerals and decrease your appetite, making it easier to eat in moderation and follow your natural hunger cues. 

3. Choose Lean Proteins

While holiday roasts are common in many households, meats such as prime rib, pork, and lamb contain high amounts of saturated fat that can raise your cholesterol. When building your plate, choose heart-healthy, lean proteins, including fresh ham, turkey, and trimmed roast beef. If you're doing the cooking, consider incorporating fish, such as cod or flounder, for a healthy spin on the holiday table. 

If you need help making healthy food choices this holiday season, contact Aina Meals in Waipahu, HI. With a mission to help Oahu residents eat cleaner, healthier dishes, their team of nutritionists provide a rotating menu of high-quality meals made with fresh ingredients tailored to your dietary needs. Contact them today at (808) 600-7779 or visit them online to learn more about their meal subscription plans.