Have A Happy and Healthy Holiday!

We all know this time of year usually involves family and friends gathering in the kitchen or around the table, and who doesn’t love treating themselves to classic, traditional foods during the holiday season? The air is chilly, the days are dark, and sometimes, a mug of hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie are essential after a long day. But, we need to remember that while the occasional indulgence can be a good treat, overeating and eating unhealthy holiday foods will only catch up with you as we approach the new year. To help you out, there are some simple choices you can make this holiday season that will help you feel your best as you make some of your favorite holiday meals and desserts!Baking Christmas cookies is a great activity to do with grandchildren, and an easy way to make a healthy choice when baking is to use smaller cookie cutters—no one will notice the difference! You can also skip the frosting or use a sugar-free alternative to save even more calories. If you were flipping Hanukkah potato pancakes with your family, next year remember you can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt as a side dish—it can save hundreds of calories and tastes just as wonderful!Additionally, holiday dishes often include creamy casseroles and other decadent treats, but these don’t have to be your only options for delicious holiday recipes! You can find some alternative recipes for family favorites like green bean casserole and eggnog here, and some healthier holiday dish ideas, including desserts, here. These recipes are sure to be delicious while making sure you are not overloading on the calories that could weigh you down or make you less active.Remember, the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with family and friends, so grab the grandkids and teach them some old family recipes, or come up with new recipes that they can pass down to their own grandkids one day. Change up the recipes to make them a bit lighter and set a good example for younger kids—and adults! Easy changes can allow you to make healthier choices—a smaller portion of mashed potatoes or even skipping the butter on your rolls are all small actions that can make a big difference in your health.We would love to hear how your family is staying healthy during the holidays! Share pictures and recipe ideas with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and let us know if you have any other tips on staying fit and feeling your best during the holiday season!