Holiday Eating: Why "Naughty" Foods Are Nicer Than You Think
I love eggnog, and so do my kids. The other day, I bought the first of many cartons of eggnog we’ll drink during the holidays. Yes, you read right, and I’m talking about the full-fat kind. Why do I do it? Because it doesn’t pay avoid your favorite holiday foods, no matter how caloric. Dietary deprivation backfires, causing you to crave the food even more, and leading to overeating.
In addition, the holiday foods you try to stay away from, including eggnog, may actually be good for you, another reason to include them in a balanced eating plan. Read on to find out about the benefits your favorites have to offer, and tops on how to make them even healthier.
Apple pie: Apples supply heart-healthy fiber that also keeps blood sugar levels in check.
Make it better: Forego the top crust when making the pie, or skip all crust and eat only the filling.
Cheese: Cheese offers bone-building protein and calcium.
Make it better: Opt for reduced-fat hard cheeses, such as cheddar, and enjoy them along with fresh fruit to control cheese intake.
Cranberry sauce: Cranberries curb the growth of bacteria that cause most urinary tract infections.
Make it better: For the greatest health benefits, bypass the canned variety and make your own cranberry sauce. It takes just minutes to do.
Chocolate: Chocolate helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Make it better: Go for the darkest chocolate: 70% dark chocolate contains the most flavonols — helpful plant substances that serve up health benefits.
Eggnog: Eggnog supplies protein and calcium.
Make it better: Stick with small portions of regular or light eggnog.
Nuts: Nuts are packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fat, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, plant compounds that protect cells from damage.
Make it better: Stick with one-ounce portions – about the amount that fits into a small palm.
Pumpkin pie: Pumpkin packs potassium, fiber, and carotenoids, the raw materials for making vitamin A in the body and fighting free radicals, forms of oxygen that wreak havoc on your cells.
Make it better: Skip the crust and the whipped cream.
Happy Holidays!
Liz Ward