The holiday season is usually a time when we indulge in all the foods we don’t normally eat. We have big dinners, cocktails, chocolate, cookies and so many other foods. All of this eating can be very unhealthy for your heart. I am hosting Christmas Eve this year and I have decided to have a heart healthy party. I’ve come up with some ideas that you are welcome to use to make your Christmas (or any other holiday party) a heart healthy one too.
APPETIZERS – Everyone loves appetizers at a holiday party. Appetizers can be full of calories and fat but you can make them heart healthy too. I have two appetizers that I serve that are heart healthy. First, I love to serve spicy pecans. Just roast some pecans for 10-15 minutes, sprinkle with a mixture of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and a little brown sugar and drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Let them cool and serve or store them until your party. Pecans have heart healthy fats and are a good source of protein. My other favorite appetizer is whole wheat crackers topped with a thin slice of low fat cheese and a slice of pear on top. Whole grain is associated with heart health, pears contain fiber and low fat cheese is a great source of protein. Both of these appetizers are easy to make, grab and eat. They are festive and taste great!
DINNER – My favorite heart healthy Christmas Eve dinner is so simple to make. I serve roasted turkey with low fat gravy, baked sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, whole grain rolls with low fat butter and red wine. Turkey is low in fat, sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants, asparagus is high in fiber (and can help prevent hangovers) and whole grains and red wine (in moderation) are associated with heart health.
DESSERT – This year I’m making a heart healthy recipe I found in a magazine last year. It’s an apricot-pumpkin bread pudding. Pumpkin is full of healthy nutrients and antioxidants. Dried apricots are high in fiber. The whole recipe is low in fat, delicious and very festive. You can find similar versions of this recipe on the internet or even in some cookbooks. You can also serve dark chocolate shavings over some low fat hot chocolate or over some brightly colored healthy berries.
That is my heart healthy Christmas menu. If you have your own favorite foods that you serve on Christmas, try to find ways to increase the fiber and antioxidants and cut down on the fat. Add healthy fruits and vegetables, use egg whites instead of whole eggs or use low fat butter instead of regular butter. There are a lot of ways to make your meal more heart healthy. Don’t be afraid to try new things. The new meal could become your next Christmas tradition.
- Jennifer
Labels: Holiday Eating, holiday ideas, Jennifer
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Sounds YUMMY! And it is about portion control as well.... enjoy but you don't have to eat to the point of feeling UGH! :-)