Many individuals start their three-month binge on sweets and cookies at the beginning of the holiday season. And that includes stuffing oneself even further.
This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of offering a variety of holiday goodies, including sugar-free ones made especially for certain family members, and concentrating on predominantly healthy holiday snacks to ensure that no one feels left out or singled out. The goal is to make the holiday season easier for readers so that everything goes well.
Use Substitutes
Whether preparing a meal for a crowd or a quiet night in with the family, it's important to plan ahead. When baking, use a healthy fat like vegetable oil or unsweetened applesauce in place of butter. Substitute nonfat or low-fat milk for the full-fat kind.
Use a combination of white and whole-wheat flour rather than simply white flour. Dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, can be substituted for chocolate chips.
Dairy products are strongly associated with gastrointestinal distress. Furthermore, some evidence links it to an increased risk of malignancies, including prostate and breast. Fortunately, a healthy diet does not exclude enjoying traditional holiday foods like mashed potatoes.
Using a plant-based milk alternative is recommended instead of dairy milk or cream.
Practice Moderation
One doesn't have to abandon healthy eating habits completely during the holidays. Everyone deserves to indulge in their favorite holiday delicacies, but moderation is key.
Plan how much to consume, and stick to it. Combining low-fat or skim milk with eggnog is a tasty option. One will be able to enjoy the same deliciousness without guilt.
One must be aware of their preferred tastes to indulge in their guilty pleasures in moderation.
Use a salad plate for the main meal and side dishes to help think about and regulate portion sizes. One could use an entree-sized platter for a salad starter.
There's no need to deny oneself all the sweets. Pick healthier alternatives to traditional holiday sweets while still indulging in must-have dishes this season. Indulgence won't be an issue if one makes responsible decisions elsewhere.
Use Natural Sweeteners
The holidays wouldn't be the same without cranberry sauce. The most commercially available cranberry sauce is canned to compensate for the lack of cranberries and plenty of sugar. Many canned variations include high-fructose corn syrup, often derived from genetically modified corn.
If your family has a tradition of serving cranberry sauce, it is possible to create a healthier version by reducing the amount of sugar and replacing it with something like stevia, a natural sweetener. Use a little sugar or honey to sweeten the cranberry sauce and let the berry taste shine through. A splash of lemon juice can do wonders for the taste.
How Senior Helpers Fairfax Can Help
Senior Helpers Fairfax recognizes the challenges families experience when a family member's ability to do routine, daily duties become impaired due to an accident, medical condition, or the natural aging process.
If you are looking for personal care services for your senior loved one during the holiday season in Falls Church, Arlington, Great Falls, Fairfax, Reston Alexandria, Centreville, McLean, Herndon, and Vienna, Senior Helpers Fairfax is here for you. With Senior Helpers Fairfax in-home care services, families can give themselves a break from looking after a family member while still knowing that their loved one is in good hands.
You can trust that your loved one is receiving the appropriate level of care at the proper time with Senior Helpers Fairfax. Contact us right away to arrange an initial consultation.