The Holidays call for family, gratitude and good food of course. A typical holiday meal is usually made up of an average of 229 grams of fat and up to 4,500 calories. That is equivalent to what an average person may eat over a 3 day period. In almost every dish, white bread, cream and butter always seem to be lurking.
A satisfying and delicious meal does not necessarily have to be unhealthy. There are several substitutions and alternatives to the less than optimal fatty ingredients you find in these foods. Plus, you definitely do not want to spend the next few days wishing you had a larger sized jean. If you are looking to change things up, here are some easy and healthy ways to go about it.
Preparing the Turkey
This is the star of most holiday meals which is why it is important to have one that is crowd-pleasing and delicious. Birds are packed with protein and generally, they are low in calories. However, the preparation in most cases tends to taint its nutritional value. Inasmuch as it is the most popular method of preparing turkey, rubbing it in butter, deep-frying and preparing it with gravy is not the best. A preferable method would be to use olive oil and fresh herbs and flavor it without including other unhealthy substances. You can pair this with a sweet, light and savory au jus sauce instead of using gravy. This combination is not just delicious, it is also keeps you healthy and in good shape.
Gluten-Free Stuffing
It is undeniably an essential dish to go alongside your turkey. However, using white bread will only add unnecessary carbohydrates, gluten and sugars to your diet and you don’t want that! And you definitely want to steer clear of the instant stuffing that is loaded with partially hydrogenated soy bean oil, processed flour, salt and other unhealthy ingredients. The stuffing could contain dried cranberry, sweet potatoes and quinoa for a heavenly experience. Cranberries add natural sweetness while the sweet potatoes provide heartiness. Quinoa, on the other hand is gluten-free, low on cholesterol and rich in heart essential minerals and nutrients such as calcium, iron and protein.
Cauliflower Mash over Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower is a perfect alternative to potatoes as it is low in fat and carbs. You can effortlessly get that creamy taste and look of mashed potatoes by mashing this white veg and adding non-fat buttermilk. It is a great source of potassium and vitamin C. Adding your desired spices and garlic will give you a tasty dish that contains only a quarter of the calories found in typical mashed potatoes.
Healthy Gravy
A holiday meal is not complete without gravy. If you don’t like the au jus, aim for a healthier substitute. The gravy you make from turkey drippings will make your meal heavy. But you can make gravy that has a lighter tone and is just as delicious. The key to this is using broth or fat-free stock as the base. These can be combined with mushrooms, onions, a little pepper and parsley which allows the gravy to thicken over medium heat. The result is a smooth, flavourful topping that makes your turkey and other dishes sumptuous.
Deep-Dish Apple Pie
A typical slice of apple pie may contain an average of 800 calories. The main culprits in this case are the crust and sugar content. Rather than using white wheat flour, opt for whole sprouted spelt flour as this automatically adds fiber while cutting down calories. Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a healthier option.
It is possible to indulge in the pleasures of an amazing holiday meal without the need of regret later. Life goes on after the festivities which is why you need to ensure that you are kept in shape throughout the holiday and afterwards.
Many people will consider doing a detox after the holiday season as a way to recover and look their best for the new year. Call our clinic today to find out how we can help you design a detox program that will suit your individual needs.
