Avoid Holiday Food Traps

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers these suggestions for a healthier holiday. You can also find healthy holiday recipes by clicking here to view AHA’s “Holiday Healthy Eating Tips and Recipes” booklet.

• Choose assorted unsalted nuts, fiber-rich crackers and raw vegetables with low-fat dressing or hummus for quick snacks or appetizers at a holiday party. These are great alternatives to a typical cheese platter that’s loaded with saturated fat.

• Buy low-fat or fat-free eggnog to cut down on calories and fat. Mulled apple cider is an even better choice.

• Select fat-free evaporated milk to make mashed potatoes creamy. Use low-sodium chicken broth to give them a little more flavor.

• Make your stuffing colorful and heart healthy by mixing in dried cranberries, raisins and apricots instead of meat.

• Skip the prepackaged gravy mixes and make your own. Low-sodium broth and skim milk make delicious, healthier gravy.

• Avoid pre-packaged pumpkin pies, the crusts are typically filled with trans and saturated fats. Crustless pumpkin pies or angel food cakes with fresh or frozen berries are tasty alternatives. Skip pre-packaged cakes and cookies, too.

• Look for lean cuts–the healthiest cuts always include the words “round,” “loin” or “chuck.” The word “prime” in the name means high in fat.

• Foods high in insoluble fiber are heart healthy. Try adding some of these to your holiday menu: whole-wheat breads, cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips or cauliflower.

• Shop for foods with the heart-check mark symbol on the label. These foods meet the American Heart Association’s nutrition guidelines.