Which Foods To Avoid During The Holiday Season And Why

The countdown is over and it truly is the most magical time of the year!  That means good food and fun times with friends and family, but it can also mean a lot of unhealthy eating. From Christmas cookies to holiday pies, there are tons of delicious - but not always healthy - foods to tempt us during the holiday season. It can be a challenging time for those trying to stick to a healthy diet, but with a little planning, you can enjoy your holiday favorites without overindulging.

There are specific foods you should avoid during the holiday season, and I’m going to break down exactly what they are and why. 

1. Dark Meat Turkey w/ Skin

Many families choose turkey for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but one thing you should try to avoid, specifically, is dark meat turkey with the skin on. Dark meat—especially with the skin—contains as much as twice the fat content as other cuts. You can substitute by simply switching it out with white meat turkey and avoiding the skin. 

2. Canned Gravy

As with any food or drink, making it homemade is always going to produce a healthier option. Regular, store-bought gravy is packed with sodium, including white flour and cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Instead of using so much salt, you can use savory herbs instead and use stock for creating the thick and creamy we all love.

3. Pie

Pie is a sought-after dessert typically enjoyed after your holiday dinner. Any kind of dessert, including pie, is often high in sugar and fat.  Instead of indulging in these high-sugar, high-fat desserts, you can substitute for desserts that are lower in fats and oils such as sorbet or fruit.  There are also lots of great plant based low sugar pie recipes.   So enjoy the pie in moderation, but be mindful of the ingredients listed in the recipe.

4. Eggnog

‘Tis the season, right?  I’m sorry to be the lump of coal and say eggnog is something you should avoid this holiday season if you want to get healthy. Although you might love it, the fact is it’s full of cream, sugar, and eggs that make the holiday beverage high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and calories. You can whip up your own version of it at home by combining a few tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, a cup of skim milk, and a splash of light eggnog instead of the usual kind. So you don’t have to skip it altogether ~ simply switch it up for a healthier version.

I get it!  When the holidays are here, we are surrounded by all the favorite eats, drinks, and treats!  It is so easy to want to indulge in all of your favorite things.  But before you do, remember the why in your wellness journey and always think moderation and healthier versions of your favorites!

Happy Healthier Holidays!