While dodging between gingerbread cookie displays, squeaky carts, and people all in a rush for the holidays at the grocery store, I got to thinking: what are the healthiest choices for that big holiday meal? No matter what winter holiday you celebrate, food is bound to be in the middle of it, and it is up to you to navigate through all of the festive fare to keep off those extra holiday pounds.
According to Real Simple, one of the simplest ways to stay on track during the big meal is to start with eating the healthy options first. More often than not, there is the inevitable salad that is usually ignored by everyone who would rather fill up on the potatoes and ham, but this salad could be your secret weapon. By having a heaping portion of vegetables first, your body begins to fill up on the fibrous food and is less likely to grab for the unhealthy options during the main course. If the meal is hosted at home, make sure to have some balsamic vinegar on hand for a healthy dressing, but if nothing but creamy based is around, just have a small tablespoon portion on the side for dipping.
Of course, you cannot be expected to avoid the main course altogether – I mean, come on, it is the holidays. But there is no reason to overdo it. A smart solution to the overwhelming options in front of you is to choose one dish that you normally would not get to have – this way, it is like a treat. If your grandmother’s green bean casserole is a tradition you only have during the holidays, take a small portion (about the size of the inside of your palm) and stay away from other unhealthy options.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the food you are about to eat; people enjoy it when you are interested in what they cooked. If you are thinking about taking one of your aunt’s homemade rolls, ask her how she made them and pay attention to the ingredients. If they are made with wheat flour, feel free to treat yourself, but if they have loads of sugar and white flour in them, it would be smarter to stay away.
Just because ham is not the healthiest of meats, it is not always smarter to opt out of the protein altogether. Take a healthy portion of whatever meat is served to make sure you have protein on your plate. Without protein, you are more likely to overindulge on other side dishes or dessert later on. Once you have your plate set, the most important tool to use to your health’s advantage is eating slowly. Savor every bite you take, because chances are, you won’t get some of this food again until next year. By focusing on every delicious bite, you will be more satisfied when your plate is clean and not be tempted for a second helping.
Out of all these options, the easiest way to keep eating healthy during a holiday meal is to bring a dish on your own – that way, there is no telling whether it is healthy or not. Dessert is always a holiday favorite and possibly the most famous of holiday cookies – gingerbread cookies – can be made over into a more nutritious treat. Feel free to make these cookies from EatingWell to bring to any holiday get together and have a happy and healthy holiday meal, beginning to end.
Ginger Crinkle Cookies:
- 2/3 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar, divided (see Tip)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons molasses
- 2 cups sifted whole-wheat pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix oil and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl. Beat in egg until then stir in molasses until evenly mixed. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt over the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Put the rest of the 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the sugar before placing them evenly on an ungreased baking sheet. Do not flatten.
Bake the cookies until set, but still soft when gently touched, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool before enjoying.