Five Simple Ways to Make Your Holiday Feast Healthier

During this time of year, many of us go overboard when it comes to feasting. The diets that we have so religiously followed so devoutly seem to become the old friend that we somehow overcome and outgrow. And who can blame us? Succulent turkey, decadent mashed potatoes, and the ever popular pumpkin pie or plum pudding decorate nearly every table, beckoning us to partake. It's a wonder why everyone in the world doesn't gain at least twenty pounds over the months of November and December.

If this time, however you want to be proactive, and not gain the obligatory twenty pounds of winter weight, there are a number of very simple things that you can do for your holiday meals that will make them a lot healthier, without sacrificing the taste and variety that you have come to know and love. Below are five simple things that you can do to make sure that your meal is not only wonderful in taste, but also a healthier one.

Simple Change #1 Remember the Idea of a Balanced Meal

If you would think back to your last holiday meal and look at your plate, chances are you saw a good deal of protein and carbohydrates, and lesser amounts of fiber and vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. This year, consider changing out a few of the fat rich, carbohydrate rich staples such as mashed potatoes or rolls with something that would bring a little more balance to the table. For example, steamed broccoli with a light parmesan butter sauce can easily replace the green bean casserole. And perhaps some of your guests would enjoy a side of mashed cauliflower in a light and flavorful peppercorn sauce instead of the normal mashed potatoes. Be creative and inventive. Chances are a new traditional food might make an appearance at next year's table.

Simple Change #2 Substitute Ingredients

Now don't worry; there are some places and recipes where what is called for is what is needed. After all, a buttery flaky crust on a blueberry pie can only be made with butter, in my opinion. And I'm not talking about substituting the ingredients with man made chemicals that can cause more trouble than they are worth. No, what I'm suggesting is that you can easily trade certain ingredients out for others in order to reduce the sugar, cholesterol, or fat content of your foods. For example, consider replacing a bit of the vegetable oil in the upside down cake recipe with applesauce. That would reduce the fat content in the recipe, without taking away any of the moisture. Or, when your mashed potatoes call for a bit of butter and milk, consider replacing the milk with soy milk which would add a bit of protein, as well as reduce the lactose content of the mashed potatoes, and they'll still be as creamy and smooth as ever. Another simple idea is to use fresh cranberries dusted with a bit of brown sugar instead of the high calorie cranberry jelly that you find in stores.

Simple Change # 3 Change the Turkey

Of course, the centerpiece of just about every holiday meal this time of year is the grand old bird. Now, while I'm not suggesting that you throw the bird completely out of the window this holiday season, I am suggesting that you consider how you cook it. Whether you roast it, or deep fry it, chances are how you are cooking the bird is adding a good deal of fat content to the final product. One of the main areas where fat comes from is the skin of the turkey, so for a less fat alternative consider roasting the turkey without the skin, or at least a portion of it. There are quite a number of alternatives cooking techniques including dry rubs, or marinades that will keep the turkey moist and flavorful without adding the excess fat that really isn't necessary. Take a quick look through a local library or on the internet. Chances are you'll find some great new ideas.

Simple Change # 4 Remember That the Meal is About Friends and Family, not Food

For many of us, the holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, catching up on old times and planning for new adventures. Food and drink flow can flow as freely as the laughter, but be sure to not to allow the food to overtake it. Visit with your family and friends during the meal, truly talk with them, and find out how their lives have changed over the last year or so. Chances are you'll be too full of laughter and friendship to eat the mounds of food placed before you.

Simple Change # 5 Remember, Take What You Can Eat and Truly Enjoy What You Take

Of course, one of the pitfalls of eating this time of year is that there are so many delicious things to have that it's hard to find the time, let alone the taste buds to enjoy them all. As you sit down at the holiday table, don't think that eating everything on the table is a requirement. Take samples that of foods you know you'll enjoy, as well as a few things that you've never tried before. Make the meal a culinary adventure, if you will. Just remember that the true art of enjoying a meal is not in seeing how much you can eat, but in truly experiencing your food.

As you can see, making small changes in the holiday meal can not only make it more rewarding and tasteful, but a healthier one as well. Remember making dietary changes doesn't always mean making sacrifices. Sometimes, they can lead to new and exciting meal and holiday ideas.