x
Breaking News
More () »

How to enjoy holiday foods without the calories

After a hectic and busy semester, Metropolitan State University of Denver nutrition student shares her food tips to celebrate the season.

After a hectic and busy semester, Metropolitan State University of Denver nutrition student shares her food tips to celebrate the season.

Pack winter veggies – Celebrate the season with fresh or roasted vegetables and a homemade nonfat Greek yogurt dip. By swapping a high-calorie dip, you can reduce calories that can be reserved for another dish. Mix nonfat Greek yogurt with cucumber, dill, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. For a change intensify the flavor of vegetables by roasting them in the oven with olive oil and salt. Roast cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and parsnips. They are low in calories and full of fiber.

Go with the nuts- Warm up with some spices and nuts to get your protein and healthy fats from nuts and seeds. They are great for snacks and appetizers. Spiced nuts are easy to make by placing nuts in boiling water for 1 minute, then coating them with your favorite spice mix and then baking them in the oven for 10 minutes. Warming spices are curry, chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ginger. Make them spicy or sweet. Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fats and protein.

Something hot – When you feel a little chilly, warm up with soups and move more. Soups and stews are traditional dishes for the winter months. Use seasonal crops such as sweet potato, greens like kale and mustard greens and mix with your favorite meat. A warm chicken broth or vegetable broth with onions and garlic when feeling cold is like medicine.

Something to cheer – Eggnog low fat is available in the stores and if you can’t stop after one cup consider adding crushed ice, low-fat milk or almond milk to your eggnog and top with some ground cinnamon. Drink cranberry juice, lemonades and sparkling water with a splash of 100% juice. Cranberry juice has vitamin C and antioxidants. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to your waters for a refreshing flavor and the extra boost of vitamin C.

Something sweet- It is time for baking! Cranberry-Nut Chocolate Chip cookies are made with whole wheat flour, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Walnuts have the healthy omega fats. Replace the fat (oil and butter) in baked desserts by using fruit purées like applesauce, mashed bananas, or pumpkin. Also, use yogurt and low-fat dairy to replace the fat. Warm fruit pies or a fruit cobbler with an oatmeal topping is a way to eat delicious and still healthy foods.

Before You Leave, Check This Out