It is finally here! The holiday season flew by again – all the stress, all the extra food, all the shopping and wrapping gifts. It is almost gone.
With a couple of days left, I wanted to share a few tips with you as we fly to the finish line and then continue on into the new year! (Crazy that 2020 is almost here, right?)
Healthy Holiday Plates
It seems that we’re invited to a party or family get-together every other night in the weeks leading up to and during the holidays. This week it is Christmas Eve, Christmas itself and then for us Brits, December 26th is Boxing Day. Then we go on into the “New Year” round of more parties!
Unfortunately, most of the dishes that people make and/or take to these get-togethers are not always exactly healthy. We all tend to overindulge during the holiday season, tempted by all the unhealthy treats around. But to be honest with you, after a while, I get tired of all the rich and fattening food and begin to welcome a healthy fresh alternative.
This is your year to shine with that healthy dish the next time you are asked to bring something to a holiday party. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Veggies and Dip
Just cut up some fresh veggies. Good choices are celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber. Add some baby carrots and grape tomatoes. Serve it with a low fat ranch dip, fresh guacamole, hummus or tahini and you are good to go!
2. Fruits and Dip
Serve some fruit that’s in season in bite-size chunks with a side of greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream. Wash some strawberries, peel, and cut up some apples, pears, cantaloupe, and even some fresh pineapple for a sweet treat that’s nice on the tummy.
3. Cheese and Crackers
Make a platter of several kinds of cheese and get a box of whole-wheat crackers. To make it even more fun, use some holiday cookie cutters and cut shapes out of the cheese. Just arrange everything on a platter and take it to the party.
4. Take A Salad
A salad of mixed greens with some other veggies mixed in always makes for a great side dish and will go with almost anything. Start with some basic mixed greens, preferably dark greens. I like to mix baby spinach with some arugula. Dice up some red and yellow peppers for color and some slices of cucumber for a crunchy texture. Top it off with some grape tomatoes and you will have a colorful and deliciously healthy salad. I like to bring a few different dressings such as avocado, pesto, and vinaigrette.
What will you take to your next social gathering or get-together? You’ll be surprised how well received your healthy dish will be. Plus, you’ll know there will be at least one dish at the party you can fill up on that is actually good for you and your health.
Are you looking for a community of like-minded women on a journey – just like you are – to improved health and wellness, overall balance, and increased confidence? If the answer is ‘Yes,’ I’d like to invite you to The Energized & Healthy Women’s Club – a supportive and collaborative community where we share tips and solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. We discuss things like weight management, eliminating belly bloat, wrangling sugar gremlins, and overcoming fatigue, recipes, strategies and more so we can feel energized, healthy, confident, and joyful each day. I’d be delighted to include you.
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