Holiday Party Foods That Are Good For You
We all feel guilty indulging in our favorite holiday party foods, but there are some that are actually good for us and can be enjoyed guilt free. Of course, like everything else portions are important and we should enjoy these treats in moderation. There might even be some food that you are not familiar with already, but will soon be a fan of.
It is important to remember to plan ahead when it comes to your meals to ensure that your diet remains balanced and you don’t go to any holiday party too hungry. Attending holiday parties on an empty stomach can lead to you filling up solely on snack and sweets. Here are some of the party foods that are actually good for you.
Nuts
Almost every holiday snack table has an assortment of nuts, with everything from pistachios to chestnuts being offered. While nuts are a great source of nutrients, they are also high in calories so just a handful is enough. Also, opt for plain or roasted nuts instead of those that are dipped, sugared or coated.
Shrimp
A shrimp tray is another great holiday party food that most of us enjoy. We should be getting fish into our diets at least twice a week, so if you have not had the chance to add fish to any of your meals, now is the time. Other fish that you should enjoy during the holidays include salmon and herring.
Red Wine
Don’t feel guilty about enjoying a glass of red wine at the next holiday party. As long as you refrain from refilling your glass over and over again, you can reap the benefits of the many antioxidants that can be found in a glass of wine. Dry red wine is especially heart healthy for you.
Sweet Potatoes
Most people on a diet, or trying to limit their caloric intake, will pass on sweet potatoes because they fear that their sweet flavor counts as just sugar. Sweet potatoes are actually one of the healthiest vegetables around, packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help the body fight disease. Look for dishes where the sweet potato is served as simply as possible, and when sugared or sweetened reduce the size of your serving so that you can still enjoy it.
Hot Cocoa
Being able to enjoy a nice hot cup of cocoa is one of the pleasures of the holidays, and its a healthy one too. Turns out chocolate is actually good for you, and the amount of chocolate that is needed to make a nice hot cup of cocoa is the recommended daily amount you should be enjoying. Drink cocoa for your heart health and help reduce that holiday stress you might be
nuts are great for you! high in calories though, gotta watch portions
Looking at this list reminds me of my sister just buying pistachios and the kids went crazy over them. They also love their hot chocolate. Now the shrimp, that one is for me, yummm
Good to see this reminder of the better and healthier foods.
I LOVE shrimp and just about everything on that list is what I fill up on besides the red wine. My downfall are the cheeses !
I’m planning on having all of these this holiday. I like to chat up eating healthy, but nothing is better than having healthy foods that are delicious for people to eat!
I personally love all of these foods, they are among my favorites!!! I’m planning on having all of these this holiday. I like to chat up eating healthy, but nothing is better than having healthy foods that are delicious for people to eat! A bite is worth a thousand chats about healthy eating!
I have never thought of Pistachios as a party food, but what a good idea!! Our family LOVES pistachios and I buy them on a consistent basis at Aldis..only $5.99 for a 1 lb bag!! 🙂 Great ideas here!!
great list. I love everything listed.