Healthy Eating

from Sioux Falls Woman Magazine - Holiday 2022

Farewell Adieu

Holiday Eating

By Ashley Sornsin

The Holidays can certainly be a challenging time to make healthy choices when it comes to eating and drinking. It’s hard enough to make those choices daily, and even more so when Holiday parties and events are abundant, where decadent food and seasonal drinks abound. It can be especially hard as a guest attending a party. Not to worry, here are some healthy eating and drinking ‘best bets’ when it comes to being a Holiday Party Guest.

Don’t drink all of your calories! Whether it’s alcohol, pumpkin spice lattes, or eggnog, these can be loaded with extra calories and sugar, while being sipped quickly and leaving you hungry. So, when it comes to beverages, choose wisely. As a guest, you can bring your signature, health-conscious drink as a contributing gesture for the party. Bring something you will drink, enjoy, and avoid added sugars.

Best Bets:

• red wine • cranberry spritzer • champagne (bubbles make you drink slower) • golden milk • apple cider (dilute with water) • hot cocoa or eggnog (made with almond milk or diluted to half and half) When it comes to food, as a guest it’s out of your control as to what will be served, but you can always bring a dish to share! Bring an appetizer or side dish that is healthy. This way you can fill up on something you know is good for you and still have a smaller serving of the other foods. If you focus on first filling half your plate with vegetables (not green bean casserole), you’ll have just the right amount of room left to take small portions of the main course and side dishes. The key is to bring a dish that you will eat, and will also make the host thankful for your thoughtfulness.

Best Bets:

• charcuterie boards loaded with fresh veggies, hummus, and fruit • festive veggie-packed salads, brothbased soups, squash soups (made with coconut milk) • smoked salmon • shrimp cocktail

So, there you have it - proof that you can attend Holiday parties, make healthy choices with food and drink, and have fun! Plus, the host will appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtfulness you put into your contribution to the party.

Cheers to eating and drinking your way through the Holidays, healthily and merrily all the way!.n

Holiday desserts are almost in their own food group. There’s never a shortage of sugar-filled goodies at most parties, so why not bring something different? There are plenty of ways you can make healthier versions of classic desserts. Bonus, no one will know your dessert is the healthy version, but you’ll know the ingredients in your creation pass the test. It’s also fun to think outside of traditional desserts and bring something new and different to experience - everyone will thank you! By bringing a healthy dessert option or alternative, you’ll be able to enjoy the party and not worry about that pecan pie sticking with you throughout the Holiday season.