Holidays are times for family, friends and great food! For some reason, there is a misconception that delicious holiday food cannot also be healthful food. Here are a few ideas to help you fill your shopping basket with plenty of holiday cheer…and good nutrition, too!
Fruits & Vegetables:
Red, green, yellow and purple Bell peppers make a beautiful holiday appetizer tray. For dip, hummus tops my list. Or, buy light cream cheese and stir in minced garlic and fresh herbs along with a dash of hot sauce, salt and pepper. Kids love dipping the sweet-flavored pepper strips into both.
Fresh Bakery:
Whole grain baguettes or fresh Ciabatta rolls may be sliced thin and enjoyed in place of a buttery cracker. Goat milk cheese is yummy and a little exotic so it starts a fun, party conversation. A thin slice goes really well on the bread/roll slices.
Fresh Dairy:
Yogurt makes a smooth and creamy dip when it is flavored with honey or a few drops of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sugar. Fresh fruit chunks or spears dip into yogurt nicely as do pretzel sticks. Most kids gobble up the pretzel-yogurt dip and ask for more. See how yours like it.
Please share your ‘go to’ holiday foods – light and healthy – from the grocery store in a comment.
Congratulations on your new website and Blog. Your healthy holiday tips are right great.
Thank you, Linda! I’m hoping to steer many good people to the healthier choices at the supermarket during the holidays, and all year long.
Cindy,
I didn’t know there were such things as purple bell peppers. Thanks for all the great tips. I also love roasted bell peppers with a little lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil for marinade. Cut up they make perfect tapas.
Yes, Lindsay, purple Bell peppers do exist. They tend to be available mostly in summer months but you may also find in a specialty produce store now. They make a beautiful, raw appetizer. Or, as you mention, they roast nicely with a mixture of Bell peppers. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks, Aunt Cindy! These are some GREAT ideas to keep it healthy around the holidays.
My co-worker and close friend Mallory said she was excited to try out the ‘roasted veggies’ recipe that you sent along to her as part of her recipe swap idea, in addition to the one you have posted on this blog. I am also planning on taking some hummus and veggies to our work holiday party next week. What a tasty, low-cal treat! 🙂
Good work! Happy Holidays!
Sarah
So glad there were some take-away ideas here for you, Sarah! Hummus & veggies…you’re making me hungry. Thanks for your comment!
Thx for information.