Six Holiday Food Swaps to Make This Year

Another way to mind what you eat during the holidays is to be aware of how you can make food swaps that still satisfy but help avoid eating too many empty calories, increasing your chances of that extra weight gain during the holidays. You may be shocked to find out you prefer some of the swaps to the “holiday” version.

Here are six food swaps to make this holiday season to avoid weight gain:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes for Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is known for its marshmallows, tons of brown sugar and butter, and sweet potatoes that no longer resemble themselves at all. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for about one hour until a knife sinks in easily without resistance. Cut open, and top with maple syrup, a sprinkle of crushed pecans for crunch.

Fresh Green Beans for Green Bean Casserole

The truth is most people don’t even like green bean casserole. However, sometimes the things you see on holidays are due to habit and not preference. For example, frozen or fresh green beans can be prepared very simply. Break the ends off, toss with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then bake parchment paper and a baking sheet. Bake about 30 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees F until roasted.

Mashed Cauliflower for Classic Mashed Potatoes

If you really want to surprise everyone making mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes is a great switch. Don’t try to say they’re mashed potatoes, though; they are what they are. And they are good. To prepare mashed cauliflower and make it super special, just put one head of broken up and boiled cauliflower, four cloves roasted garlic, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, and salt and pepper to taste in the food processor with a little cashew milk. Pulse to blend, adding the milk if and as needed until desired constancy.

Eggnog Alternatives

Believe it or not, you can make your own eggnog that gives you the flavors you enjoy without all the fat. Consider trying this recipe if this is a flavor you really like, and you know you will miss it if you don’t have it. But remember, less is more. It’s still a treat.

Alternative Egglessnog Recipe

3 Cups Cashew Milk

1 Cup Raw Cashews

2 TBS Sugar

½ Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Nutmeg

To prepare: Blend everything in a high-speed blender. Top with nutmeg.

Variations: Add rum flavoring or maple syrup.

Sour Cream Alternative

Opting for a non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream is a great alternative, notably because of the probiotics in Greek yogurt (which can support healthy digestion) and the lack of fat. This healthy substitute offers a thick and creamy texture without adding additional fat calories. Instead, you’ll get a healthy dose of protein!

Baked Cinnamon Apple for Traditional Apple Pie

If you’ve never made whole baked apples, you’re missing out. The smells it will send through your home and the fact that it has about half the calories and damage as a traditional apple pie makes it an amazing dessert to enjoy. Simply core the apple, stuff with raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and pecans to make a baked apple. Wrap each with foil and place in a baking pan—Bake in a preheated 375-degree F oven. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until apples are soft and creamy.  

Don’t look at this as missing out. You’re not missing out if what you make or eat still tastes delicious and gives you that sweet holiday feeling inside. Trying new recipes that are healthier versions of the old is a great way to turn your holiday into a memorable event while not causing any type of weight gain in anyone who participates with you.