The end of the year is a celebration, but it can also be when people indulge in unhealthy food.
If you are looking to have some healthy holiday meals, this article will provide you with some ideas on how to stay healthy while still being able to enjoy your favorite dishes.
The first thing that needs to be said about staying healthy is avoiding these five foods: fried food, red meat, desserts, processed meats like bacon and ham, and sugary drinks. If you avoid these five items, there should not be any problems staying healthy during the holidays.
Fried Food
The one thing that needs to be done with fried food is to lower its oil level. The thing with fried foods is that they are cooked in oil at very high temperatures, which means more of it gets inside them, meaning more unwanted calories on your plate! And the less healthy oils you fry your plants in (trans fats), the worse this safety hazard becomes for you and your family.
If you’re unsure how to avoid excess fat while still enjoying deep-fried goodies, use a minimal amount of oil or dress up favorite side dishes with spices like turmeric or cumin instead.
Many alternatives to fried food can help you stay healthy during the holidays. Some of these alternatives include:
- Baking: This is a great way to cook food without adding excess fat. All you need is an oven and some baking dishes.
- Grilling: This is another excellent way to cook food without adding a lot of fat. Make sure that you use lean meats and avoid using unhealthy oils for grilling.
- Steaming: This is a healthy way to cook your food as it retains most of the nutrients in the food. You can use a steamer or even just a pot of boiling water with a steamer insert.
- Poaching: This is a method to simmer your food in water or broth until cooked. If you are using an egg, poaching it can help eliminate cholesterol and fat from the egg.
Desserts
Sweets are high in sugar and calories, and they can also lead to health problems if consumed in excess. They can also lead to dental issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Therefore, your dentist would suggest eating sweets in moderation.
Sweets and desserts can be a big problem during the holiday season, but you can still enjoy them without overindulging by having a smaller portion size or only eating half of the dessert. Still, it is best to avoid desserts altogether if you want to stay healthy during the holidays. There are many healthier alternatives that you can choose from, including:
- Fruit: This is a great way to get your sweet fix while also getting some essential nutrients.
- Yogurt: This is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat while getting protein and calcium.
- Nuts: These are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting healthy fats and protein.
- Whole-grain bread: This is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without getting all the sugar and calories.
Sugary Drinks
The top thing you need to know about sugary drinks is that they contain sugar, leading to weight gain if consumed in excess amounts. Sugary drinks are very high in calories and carbohydrates, making you more hungry than you originally were.
If you feel like you need something to drink with your meal, try drinking water or unsweetened tea. These drinks will help you stay hydrated without all of the extra sugar.
Red Meat
The main problem with red meat is that it tends to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Red meats also contain heme iron which can cause health problems if consumed in large quantities.
If you are going to eat red meat, then try to stick to lean meats like chicken or fish. You can also choose to have smaller portions of red meat or go for meatless meals altogether. There are many healthy and delicious red meat alternatives that you can enjoy during the holidays, including:
- Beans: These are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Lentils: These are a great source of protein and fiber.
- Tofu: This is a great source of protein and is low in saturated fat.
- Eggs: These are a great source of protein and are low in cholesterol.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Processed Meat
Processed meats are meats that have been preserved by smoking, curing, or salting. Processed meats also include things like bacon and ham. One of the main reasons people may not want to eat processed meat is that it can be high in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol. Processed meat has also been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers like colorectal cancer.
By following these tips, you can have a healthy holiday season without having to give up your favorite dishes. Just make sure that you are mindful of what you eat and avoid foods high in fat and sugar.
