Nutritious Holiday Swaps

December 20, 2023

YOU DON’T HAVE to wait until January to start eating healthier. It’s easy to incorporate healthy swaps into many holiday dishes. “If you have recipes that need sour cream or mayonnaise, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt,” says Kelsey Raab, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC). “Use nonfat yogurt to lower fat content.” Raab also suggests doubling the amount of vegetables in recipes such as casseroles. “Extra vegetables increase your fiber and nutrient content,” she says.

MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES AT EVENTS
If you’re at a holiday party or meal at someone else’s house, you may have no control over how food is prepared. However, you can make smart choices about balance and exercise personal portion control. “Look at your plate and try to fill half of it with fruits and vegetables,” Raab says. “Then add lean protein, such as turkey breast, and maybe a whole grain like brown rice.” Also remember that eating healthy doesn’t mean missing out on all your favorite treats. Indulge with awareness to avoid binging later. “Don’t deprive yourself,” Raab says. “Just choose small portions of higher-calorie holiday treats.”

Need help modifying your diet for health? Ask a primary care
provider at HRMC. Find one at www.huronregional.org/find-a-doc.