A fancy meal with traditional foods can be special at many holiday gatherings, but it's not always the healthiest. Here are some strategies to help you eat healthier when you sit down to the holiday meal table.
For many people, holiday celebrations are filled with family and food, and while the celebrations bring joy, they can also be a time when unhealthy eating habits can begin.
Two-thirds of people say they overeat during the holidays, and nearly half say they skip exercise, according to a new survey.
Dr. Nate Wood said: “All of these foods are what we call 'super-opulents', meaning they're so delicious that you can't stop eating them.” “I recommend drinking water before and during meals, but this takes up space in the stomach. Focus on eating dishes that include fruits and vegetables, because they are fiber Right? It has a lot of calories.”
Dr. Wood is both a doctor and a chef. He says trying to eat healthier for the holidays isn't just about how much you eat, it's also about how these traditional holiday foods are prepared. There are ways to make them healthier. Dr. Wood used mashed potatoes as an example.
“So if you mash them and then add lots of butter or lots of heavy cream, that's probably not the healthiest thing, right? But what you can do instead is add a little fat-free Greek yogurt. .It's tangy and creamy, but it doesn't add much fat,'' he suggested.
And you can't eat mashed potatoes without gravy.
“Avoid using bouillon or soup base; they can be very high in sodium, so make your own instead,” Dr. Wood says.
When it comes to the age-old debate between ham and turkey, Dr. Wood says there are clear and healthy choices.
“This is actually quite simple because ham is a cured meat, and since at least 2015, cured meats have been classified as carcinogenic. These processed meats are, which means they can cause colon cancer. “It's related. But turkey is lean white meat. Don't fry it in oil. But if you don't, it's probably a healthier option,” he said.
No matter your recipe, Dr. Wood has this tip.
“The goal is to enjoy time with family and friends. So chew your food slowly and enjoy your family's recipes, whether they're super healthy or not. If you're interested in doing so “When you do, take some shortcuts or make some substitutions. 'Your food is healthier,'” he said.
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