Healthy Holiday Eating

How do we stay healthy during the holiday seasons full of treats?  Check out the tips and websites below to learn how!

10 Tips to creating healthy, active events:

1. Make healthy habits part of your celebrations.  Food and beverages are a part of an event, but they do not have to be the center of the occasion.  Focus on activities to get people moving and enjoy being together.

2. Make foods look festive. Decorate foods with nuts or seeds or use new shapes for vegetables.  Add a few eye-catching fruits to a favorite dish, serve up a new recipe, or add a sprinkle of almonds or green onions to add just an extra something.

3. Offer thirst quenches that please. Make fun ice cubes from 100% juice or add slices of fruit to make water more exciting.  Create a "float" by adding a scoop of low-fat sorbet to seltzer water. 

4. Savor the flavor. Take time to pay attention to the taste of each bit of food.  make small changes in your old recipes or try dishes from another culture to liven things up.  

5. Use ChooseMyPlate.gov to include foods from the food groups for your party. Offer whole-grain crackers, serve a spicy bean dip and veggie tray, make fruit kabobs, layer yogurt and fruit to create a sweet parfait.  Use whole grains and veggies to make a savory, healthy salad. 

6. Make moving part of the event. Being physically active makes everyone feel good.  Dancing, moving, playing active games, wiggling, and giggling add fun to any gathering. 

7. Try out some healthier recipes. Find ways to cut back on sugar, salt, and fat as you prepare your favorite recipes.  Try out some of the recipes on choosemyplate.gov. 

8. Keep it simple. Have others participate by contributing a prepared dish, helping with the clean up, or keeping the kids active and moving.

9. Shop smart to eat smart. Save money by offering foods that fit your budget.  Buy in-season produce when it costs less and tastes better.  Plan in advance and buy foods on sale. 

10. Be a cheerleader for healthy habits. It's never too early for adults to set an example.  Keep in mind that children follow what the adults around them do - even at parties.  

Source: Choosemyplate.gov - Click here to see PDF form of tips.

Want to learn more?  Check out the American Heart Association's Holiday Healthy Eating Guide by clicking here!  It has more helpful hints and recipes!

Looking for more Healthy Thanksgiving recipes?  Check out the following cite by clicking here!

What healthy holiday recipes have you tried?  Comment below!