During the December holidays, we’re tempted by treats like eggnog and potato pancakes. When you give in to temptation, you tend to overeat and suffer the consequences.
It doesn’t have to be that way. You can enjoy your feast without going overboard. Make healthy choices and a mindset swap. “Often we go into the holidays with an all-or-nothing mentality,” says Carmen Ohling, a holistic life coach living in Miami Beach. You overindulge and then you feel lethargic and heavy. Instead, she says to make a plate with foods that elicit happiness or traditions. Then, fill the rest of your plate with veggies and protein. “We make excuses for not making healthy choices. But if you’re less restrictive, you’re less likely to overeat.”
Try making the following food swaps to cut fat and calories without feeling like you’ve sacrificed flavor or tradition.
Skip Spinach Artichoke Dip
Try Yogurt Veggie Dip
True, spinach and artichoke dip contains vegetables. But it’s full of high-calorie sour cream, mayo and cream cheese. Get an equally creamy dip with one that’s yogurt based. Use plain Greek yogurt, which boasts probiotics and protein, says Ohling. Ditch the tortilla chips as your dippers; go for carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers and other sliced veggies.
Skip Fried Potato Pancakes
Try Baked Latkes Or Vegetable Latkes
Hanukkah is synonymous with latkes. But potato pancakes fried in an oil pool are far from healthy. “It makes them heavy and doesn’t add much flavor,” says Ohling. Instead, bake latkes. Add in veggies like shredded carrots and zucchini. Rather than dipping in sour cream, use Greek yogurt. Or make them in the air fryer with avocado oil spray. “It will give them that same crispiness as frying them,” she says.
Skip Traditional Eggnog
Try Nonfat, Nondairy Eggnog
That carton of eggnog at the supermarket is loaded with fat, sugar and calories. “Most ones in stores have gum and stabilizers that upset your stomach,” she says. Nondairy, nonfat options are lower in calories and sugar.
Skip Peppermint Bark
Try Dark Chocolate
Peppermint bark is high in sugar and saturated fat, which can harm your heart and waistline. Instead, opt for 70% or higher cacao dark chocolate. The higher the cacao percent, the more antioxidants and less added sugar it has.