5 Tips for Enjoying a Healthy Holiday Meal

It’s almost Thanksgiving and before we know it, Christmas will be here!  Don’t let the stress of the holiday season get you off track! The holidays can always be nutritious. Let’s start in the kitchen with a few tips for preparing your holiday meals!

1. Swap out highly processed sugars with natural sweeteners such as local honey or maple syrup.  Coconut sugar is also an alternative, and can be an easy 1:1 swap for most recipes.  Stevia and monk fruit can also be used, but remember a small amount is all you need to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday desserts. 
2. Use some healthy fats for your savory and sweet recipes.  Grass fed butter or coconut oil are delicious fats to use in your gravies, casseroles, and desserts.
3. Try using grain free flours such as almond flour and coconut flour for crusts and pastries. When using coconut flour, add a bit more moisture to your recipe.  Tapioca or arrowroot flour can be used 1:1 for breading, gravies or roux, or any recipes requiring cornstarch.
4. Swap out high caloric casseroles for oven roasted vegetables.  Just add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, and spices, and roast away!
5. Fill your plate up with turkey, vegetables, go easy on the gravy, and stick to one piece of pumpkin or sweet potato pie. 

We hope you enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.  With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, choose wisely what food you prepare and what you put on your plate.  Remember, food is your medicine!  Have a great Thanksgiving and Bon appétit!