Staying healthy during the holidays is no easy feat.
You know to steer clear of the cocktails and gooey pies.
How did this happen without indulging in a single holiday cookie?
Here’s a list of some of the sneakiest contenders.
Yams
Yams in their purest form are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
On top of that, most holiday yam recipes will include brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows.
Cranberry sauce
A holiday meal isn’t complete without cranberry sauce.
Many homemade recipes call for added sugar, as well.
Beyond the sugar and calories, eggnog may also harm your skin.
According to Celebrity NutritionistPaula Simpson, “The excess dairy can aggravate skin health, particularly blemish-prone conditions.”
Add whipped cream and marshmallows, and you’re looking at even more unwanted calories and sugar.
As a healthier alternative, Rinehart suggests drinking spiced chai tea.
However, in terms of calories and sugar, the damage is just the same."
Mixed nuts
Dry roasted nuts are an excellent holiday snack option.
Nuts roasted in fatty oils or doused with salt add pointless calories and sodium.
You also have to be wary of portion sizes.
Gravy
You’ve carefully selected a lean piece of turkey meat.
Your sides include freshly roasted veggies and just a tiny bit of cranberry sauce.
Your plate is a pile of healthy success.
Then you pour on the gravy without a second thought, and undo all that goodness.
Instead of the classic gravy recipe, go with a stock-based option and avoid thickening agents all together.
It’s comfort food that’s hearty, delicious and full of nutrition, right?
Whip this up, and you’ll also have your sweet potato or yam dish covered.
Fruitcake
If it has fruit, it’s got to be a healthy option.
Ok, it’s at least got to be healthier than other sweets and treats around the table.
Unfortunately, a cake is still a cake.
We promise it will be just as delicious.
The only question that remains?
Now that weight loss isn’t necessary in the New Year, what will your resolution be?
