November 19, 2021
This year is slowly but surely coming to an end, which means the holiday season is right around the corner.
Around the holidays, we typically feel the urge to indulge in festive meals and sweet treats. For those watching what they eat, have dietary restrictions, or have health concerns, their options can be limited.
We know how challenging finding healthier alternatives that still feel and taste like the holidays can be. With this in mind, we have curated a list of healthy foods and recipes for seniors and diabetics to test out this holiday season.
Continue reading to find your next favorite holiday recipe!
Healthy Appetizers and Dishes
Side dishes and appetizers are often the favorite part of holiday meals. These can consist of, but are not limited to:
- Dips
- Casseroles
- Gravy
- Beverages
Let’s take a look at these dishes one by one!
Dips
Dips typically are full-fat, especially the most indulgent ones. Switching to a yogurt-based dip helps cut out the unhealthy ingredients that may cause concern.
A secret that nobody will notice? Substitute low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt or nonfat sour cream in your dishes.
Not only are these healthier alternatives, but the amount of calories is significantly lower.
Casseroles
We get it. Some families absolutely need to have a green bean casserole on the table during the holidays. However, it is no shock that some of those filler ingredients aren’t the healthiest. Opting for a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, adding more green beans, and using milk instead of condensed milk can do wonders!
When looking at some healthier recipes, we noticed that Campbells Soup Company listed some alternative ingredients!
Rather than their regular Cream of Mushroom soup, they suggested using a 98% Fat-Free Cream of Mushroom soup or a Condensed Unsalted Cream of Mushroom soup.
Check out their green bean casserole recipe here.
Another favorite casserole is that of the sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are already a great addition to your plate during the holidays, but it’s the additives that can make the dish unhealthy.
Check out this sweet potato recipe here!
Instead of using a lot of butter, they recommend substituting almond milk for creaminess and maple syrup for sweetness. Rather than the marshmallow topping, this recipe uses pecan oatmeal instead.
Gravy
What’s a holiday meal without gravy?
Most homemade gravy is made from the drippings in the pan after making the turkey. If you still wish to use the drippings, just make sure you get rid of the fat first!
If you’re looking to make gravy but want to opt out of the drippings, you can make it using fat-free turkey broth, flour, and seasonings.
Beverages
Sometimes you want more flavor than your standard glass of water, and that’s okay!
It is no shock that sodas are full of sugars and are never the healthiest option. Choosing to go for a tea or flavored water can satisfy your taste buds while going guilt-free.
Alcohol also metabolizes into sugar, so if sugar is something that you are watching, we recommend skipping out on alcoholic beverages. However, if you do choose to indulge in a drink, alternating between water and alcohol can help you in the long run.
Finally, whoever said that apple cider was a bad thing? Compared to egg nog, a hot glass of apple cider is significantly healthier and still puts you in the festive spirit. Adding a cinnamon stick to your drink also makes it even more flavorful.
If hot apple cider isn’t your favorite, there are plenty of spiced teas that you could have too! Look for teas with cinnamon, clove, orange, cranberry, and pumpkin spice. Add in some honey and a cinnamon stick, and you get all of your favorite fall flavors.
Holiday Health Tips for Seniors and Diabetics
Making healthier choices doesn’t detract from the holiday season. Knowing what to do on the big days can have a positive impact on your health.
Below are some pointers for you to take this holiday season!
- Graze throughout the day
Eating small meals throughout the day and snacking can help your metabolism and energy levels.
- Don’t skip breakfast
Even if you are trying to prepare for a big meal later in the day, skipping breakfast is never a good idea! You are more likely to overeat later on.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking water keeps you hydrated and also is known to reduce cravings!
- Don’t feel bad to indulge
The holiday season comes with our favorite sweet treats and pies. Feel free to indulge in small portions, and then maybe skip out on the less-healthy side dishes that you can get at any time of the year, like mashed potatoes.
- Eat your vegetables
Vegetables are healthy for you, taste great, and fill you up.
Check out plenty more holiday tips here by WebMD!
Prepare for the Holidays With AHHC
The holiday season can be challenging for some. When it comes to traveling, cooking, making sure everyone is taken care of, you shouldn’t have to do it all yourself. If you think your senior loved one would benefit from a helping hand, our team can work with you to develop a care plan to meet their needs. Get started today, and contact us.
