With Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve coming up, the calorie and fat content of traditional holiday treats become a concern. And given that there are usually leftovers, most people end up eating the rich foods they prepared for at least a couple of extra days. Plus, guests often bring pies and desserts which results in more desserts being eaten during the holiday season.
Traditional Holiday Treats Seniors Can Enjoy Safely
Seniors often have diabetes and high cholesterol, which should be kept in mind while preparing and eating a holiday dinner. At the same time, a senior shouldn't end up feeling deprived because they can't have any traditional holiday treats. So it's a good idea to keep in mind which traditional holiday foods are healthier than others and opt for those.
Here are some holiday foods that seniors can enjoy without modifications:
Turkey
This is generally a better option than roast beef or ham because it has a lot of protein and a lower fat content. In fact, 2 slices of turkey (84 grams) have 24 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat! Turkey also has a number of vitamins and minerals which make it a good choice for a holiday dinner.
Beef Brisket
Most people believe that beef is not a healthy option for a holiday dinner, but brisket is a low-fat cut of beef. In fact, 3 ounces of brisket provides 28 grams of protein. Plus, it's also a good source of choline and various minerals. Beef brisket is also a favorite at Hanukkah.
Sweet Potatoes
Although sweet potatoes contain a lot of carbohydrates, they are also low in fat and high in fiber. Plus, one cup of sweet potatoes has 213% of the daily value of vitamin A and 44% of the daily value of vitamin C, in addition to other vitamins and minerals.
Cranberries
Cranberries themselves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try preparing homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice or maple syrup, which makes it healthier. Cranberry sauce in a can is not a good idea because it contains a lot of added sugar.
Nuts
Nuts are often consumed in the colder months and during the holiday season. They have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. So it's a good idea to serve them, lightly roasted, as a snack before dinner.
Wine
Rather than having guests bring desserts, why not have them get a bottle of wine? Wine is rich in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation, and may improve heart health, in addition to improving gut bacteria. So go ahead and have that glass of wine, guilt-free!
Apple/Pumpkin Pie
It wouldn't be a holiday dinner without some kind of dessert, and the preferred desserts tend to be apple or pumpkin pie. Both apples and pumpkins are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, homemade pies can also contain less sugar. When it comes to store-bought pies, pumpkin pie has a slight advantage because apple pie tends to have a double crust, which means more calories.
Preparing Holiday Meals With the Help of Caregivers
If a senior has dietary restrictions, this doesn't mean that they should forego holiday meals altogether. In fact, there are many healthy traditional holiday treats, especially if you prepare them at home and eaten in moderation.
Our caregivers from Senior Helpers Portland can help seniors and their families in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego. They can make sure that the senior enjoys a healthy holiday meal without feeling deprived.
Contact us to learn more about which traditional holiday foods seniors can enjoy without modifications.