Whether you are bringing in items for the company potluck, spreading the holiday spirit by bringing stuff in for your co-workers or preparing for friends and family to come to your home, there are ways to keep your eating on a healthier level, even at this time of year.
I have included some ideas to keep in mind for these snacks and dishes you might serve or bring at home or the office, as well as choices to keep in mind when you are filling your own plate when you are out and about. I think the most critical thing to keep in mind when making choices of what to eat or how to make food, is to always stay closest to the food’s most natural state. Pick foods that are natural – fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. And when you cook them, keep them as close to their natural and pure state as possible while giving them flavor but savoring the nutritional value.
Tips for the week:
- On many pies, you can have an open top, so line only the bottom with pastry.
- Pick or serve marinated chicken, beef or fish, rather than a breaded style.
- Choose unsalted nuts or plain popcorn rather than salted nuts.
- Avoid potato chips. Instead choose toasted pita triangles or wholegrain bread sticks served with a salsa dip.
- Serve a veggie platter. Serve veggies like sugar snap peas, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, etc. Put a reduced fat dip on the side for those who are unable to eat veggies plain.
- Go for the mixed platter. You can make a wonderfully appealing platter out of a selection of yogurt, cheese cubes, fruit slices, raw veggies, dried fruit and mini bread sticks.
- Instead of ice cream, choose a fresh fruit sorbet.
- Pretzels are a nice low fat alternative to salted, roasted nuts.
