Healthier Choices for the Holidays: Simple Swaps and Smarter Sips

Swap Ingredients for Healthier Recipes

It’s unrealistic to skip holiday treats, so instead, consider making simple recipe swaps that reduce sugar and processed ingredients. Replacing traditional flour with almond or coconut flour or using applesauce instead of oil can make holiday classics healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Certified Holistic Nutritionist Cammie Cavros shares, “Use half of the sugar that is required. I promise you your cookies will still taste good.” Choosing nutrient-dense ingredients allows you to enjoy holiday flavors without derailing your health goals.

Choose Heart-Healthy Oils

Cooking oils matter more than you might think. Seed oils like sunflower and grapeseed can be highly inflammatory and are best replaced with olive or avocado oil. These healthier oils offer great flavor and, in the case of avocado oil, are better for high-heat cooking.

Limit Sugary Drinks and Alcohol

Christmas cookies and holiday chocolates aren’t the only sources of sugar you may be enjoying; festive drinks and cocktails often add hidden sugars that can strain your liver and disrupt your metabolism.

Rather than using holiday gatherings as an excuse to overindulge in alcohol, choose your drinks wisely. “The liver has to take care of the alcohol first, so it goes into overdrive,” Cammie explains. This leaves less energy for food digestion and can lead to weight gain. Opt for a single glass of wine with your meal, and avoid sugary cocktails that add extra calories and strain your system. Instead, consider mocktails such as sparkling water with a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice.