It’s nearly Christmas, and there’s a trip to the grocery store in your future – what will you be putting on the table? A few healthy holiday ideas will allow you to put a guilt-free feast on the table with little extra time or effort. Using the best holiday healthy recipes can kick start your family’s tasty, health holiday season.
Buying an Organic Bird or Ham
The ham or turkey is and always has been the centerpiece of the Christmas spread. Choosing an organic turkey or ham is easier than ever, since most grocery stores carry them now. Organic turkeys and hams have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics, and the quality is generally better due to stringent farming requirements on any food labeled as organic. Cooking time and preparation is the same as a regular turkey or ham, although the organic version is a bit more expensive it is well deserved as the food contains no toxins.
Preparing Organic Stuffing
If you eat organic on a regular or permanent basis, you’re in luck – you probably already have everything on hand to make your own stuffing. Organic bread, celery, onions and butter are all you need to make your own tasty dressing for the turkey. If you are not familiar with organic food and don’t want to purchase a lot of extra ingredients, you can buy or order premade stuffing mix from companies like Arrowhead Mills or Canterbury Naturals.
Vegetables and Side Dishes
A trip through the supermarket lately will tell you that healthy Christmas dinner ideas are as close as your produce department. Organic vegetables abound, including staples like potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli and salad greens. Even classics like green bean casserole can be made healthy from scratch, thanks to organic cream of mushroom soup. Organic cranberry sauces can be easily found if their classic wobbly slices are a staple on your table.
Organic Desserts
No holiday feast is complete without a tempting table of desserts staring at guest from across the room. Pumpkin and apple pies are easily made organic with puree and pie filling coming in healthier varieties now. You may need to make the pie crust from scratch, though, using organic flour, shortening or milk. If you’re running short on time, pay a visit to a local bakery. Chances are they have a variety of organic desserts available for about what it would cost you to purchase ingredients and make it yourself.
All the (Organic) Trimmings
Of course, Christmas is always made up of little extras too – from the butter to Aunt Ethel’s favorite fruit salad. The good news is that nearly all of it can be purchased in an average supermarket any day of the year. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s specialize in such foods and may have a larger variety. It’s worth checking out, if you live near one. Online retailers like Amazon.com also have a wide selection of organic foods that can be shipped to your door in as little as two days.
Healthy Christmas Dinner Tips
- Substitute olive oil or non-stick cooking spray where you can. Even organic butter is still high in fat and cholesterol.
- Use drippings from the turkey and ham, along with organic flour and olive oil, to make tasty gravy. It beats anything out of a package.
- Serve a salad course with a variety of healthy, organic dressings just before the meal to cut down on nibbling and overeating.
Eating organic has become easier, with food availability and tasty recipes making the lifestyle choice simple to follow. If you’re looking for a change, why not start with Christmas? Putting your family on a healthy eating track for the holidays benefits everyone, from the pie eaters to the casserole cravers.