Should you stop throwing away your food?
There are plenty of cooked fruit desserts to choose from. They are a much healthier alternative to the sugar- and fat-rich traditional desserts, and look and taste as festive!
Stuffing is usually made using bread and herbs, but sometimes a protein source, such as meat or eggs, is added. While not very calorie-friendly, if done with quality ingredients, it can actually be a healthy addition to a dish.
And the fruit doesn't even need to be cooked, either. You can get creative with some sugar-free whipped cream and strawberries, for example. You'll get the calcium and vitamin A from the cream, and the antioxidants from the strawberries.
Sources: (The Healthy) (Women's Health) (Consumer Reports) (Verywell Fit)
See also: Quick and easy recipes that will save your Christmas
Raw or cooked, red cabbage is a winner during the holidays. It's rich in vitamin C, which is great for our immune system. Plus, it has plenty of vitamin K, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
What is there not to love about chestnuts? They are rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, gallic and ellagic acids, as well as fiber and potassium.
Rich in potassium and folate, this amazing root vegetable can be a great healthy addition to your table during the festive season.
Shrimp (or prawn) cocktails are definitely not the unhealthiest option when it comes to starters. These crustaceans are rich in protein, low in calories, and great sources of B vitamins, as well as iron and selenium.
What is there not to love about carrots? They taste great and are rich in vitamin A, which is important for our eye health.
Nuts are the perfect snack to place on your table during the holidays. They are rich in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as protein.
Fungi are great for us. They're a source of vitamin D (which is particularly helpful during winter) and selenium, and they're also rich in B vitamins.
In some countries, cranberry sauce is traditionally served with turkey during the holiday season. Some versions of these have more sugar than others, so beware of that if you consume it.
Swap the eggnog for a nice cup of hot cocoa. Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet potatoes are a great option during this time of year. They can be enjoyed as a side or on their own. They're rich in vitamins A and C, as well as manganese. They are also an excellent source of beta-carotene.
Green beans are packed with nutritional goodness, including lots of folate and fiber. You can boil, steam, or roast these gorgeous veggies.
These are cooked in many different ways, but are an excellent addition to a holiday meal. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Collard greens are particularly rich in vitamin K and antioxidants.
Pumpkins are quite versatile, and can be cooked in a number of ways. They work equally well in sweet and savory dishes. They are packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and K, and plenty of cooper and potassium.
This holiday favorite is especially rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants, potassium, and manganese.
This potent antioxidant fruit can be added to salads or be eaten on its own. In fact, you can pretty much sprinkle their juicy seeds anywhere!
These are sometimes confused with sweet potatoes, but these root vegetables have their own place on the table, especially in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. And just one yam has 369% of the daily vitamin A requirement!
The holiday season in upon us, and it's that time of the year when we tend to indulge in especially delicious foods. While some of these meals can be pretty caloric and not very nutritionally interesting, there are plenty of options that you can enjoy guilt-free. In fact, there are many quintessential holiday foods that are actually good for you!
Curious? Click through the following gallery and get to know them.
Acorn squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene. As for dishes, it can be served as a side, starter, or anything in between.
Because the taste of cauliflower is pretty neutral, you can get really creative with it. Rich in vitamins B6, C, and K, cauliflower is very low in calories, making it a perfect addition to your table during the festivities.
Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are a quintessential holiday food—and a pretty nutritious one, too!
Nuts are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are calorically dense though, so don't overindulge on them.
Turkey is low-fat, has zero carbs, and it's a great source of lean protein. It's also rich in B vitamins, potassium, zinc, and iron. Just avoid eating the skin, and don't drown it in gravy.
These miniature cabbages are packed with goodness, including high quantities of vitamins K and C. Brussels sprouts are also rich in other vitamins, as well as fiber and minerals.
If you're looking for a powerful antioxidant to add to your diet during the holidays, cranberries are a great choice. They are also rich in anthocyanins, which are chemical compounds with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
The ultimate dish of the festive season is actually one of the healthiest on this list. Roast turkey is nutritionally rich, filling, and delicious.
Holiday foods that are actually good for you
Is your favorite on the list?
FOOD Holidays
The holiday season in upon us, and it's that time of the year when we tend to indulge in especially delicious foods. While some of these meals can be pretty caloric and not very nutritionally interesting, there are plenty of options that you can enjoy guilt-free. In fact, there are many quintessential holiday foods that are actually good for you!
Curious? Click through the following gallery and get to know them.