5 Healthy Holiday Food Swaps for a Lighter Festive Feast

Holidays are synonymous with tasty food and indulgent treats. And with all the delicious food around, it’s easy to fall off track with your healthy eating habits. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be! By making some healthy holiday food swaps, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday meals without the guilt. These food swaps involve simple and scrumptious ideas that can easily replace some of the unhealthy holiday foods. So, keep reading for our top 5 healthy holiday food swaps!

Swap #1: Mashed Potatoes for Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but they are packed with calories and unhealthy fats. So, a better option would be to swap it with mashed cauliflower. Steamed and mashed cauliflower provides the same creaminess and comforting flavour as potatoes but with fewer calories. You can even add garlic, parmesan, and herbs to elevate the taste.

Swap #2: Green Bean Casserole for Roasted Green Beans

It may contain vegetables, but green bean casserole is usually loaded with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. A healthier alternative would be roasted green beans. Just toss fresh green beans with olive oil and a pinch of salt and roast until tender. This simple swap is an easy and healthy alternative to a holiday classic.

Swap #3: Eggnog for Spiced Cider

There’s a reason eggnog is so delicious: it's incredibly high in fat and calories. But you can still indulge in a festive drink by swapping it with spiced cider. All you need to do is mix apple cider with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to get that festive flavour. Your taste buds and your waistline will thank you!

Swap #4: Sweet Potato Casserole for Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Full of marshmallows and sugar, it’s no wonder that sweet potato casserole is a crowd favourite. But let’s face it: it’s not the healthiest option. So, try swapping it with roasted sweet potatoes instead. You’ll just need to cover some sweet potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and salt and roast it until tender. It’s a healthier and simpler way to enjoy sweet potatoes.

Swap #5: Pumpkin Pie for Baked Cinnamon Apples

Yes, even dessert can be healthier! Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic that’s typically made with a lot of sugar, cream, and butter. For a lighter alternative, though, you should consider reaching for baked cinnamon apples. It’s much easier to put together than pumpkin pie: toss sliced apples with cinnamon and bake it until it's soft and tender. This fragrant dessert is guilt-free, and many people say that it tastes just as good as pumpkin pie!

The Bottom Line

This year, don’t let your holiday traditions ruin your healthy eating habits. By choosing these easy healthy holiday food swaps, you can enjoy your holiday meals without worry. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a holiday classic, try swapping it with one of these lighter alternatives. Your body will thank you for it. Happy Holidays! Looking for a fresh, flavourful, and healthy meal this holiday season? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Click here to check out the Sõl Kitchen menu, and drop by for dine-in or takeout today.