Healthy Eating This Holiday Season: It Is Possible!

Try a healthy side this holiday! A spinach salad with pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top.

Christmas may be over but that doesn't mean the end for holiday parties with New Years just around the corner!

Staying healthy over the holidays can seem impossible, but with a few minor changes to your meals you can feel satisfied and healthy at the same time.

"Keep things healthy and express your creativity by hosting a healthy meal using family favourites with a healthy twist. Balance some of those rich holiday foods with vegetables that have colour and crunch," Leanne Banman, community dietitian.

Another tip to keep the calories down while still feeling full, try using whole grain bread in stuffing instead of white bread which is full of unneeded sugar.

"Start the meal with a bowl of soup made from vegetables packed with antioxidant power, ones to include sweet potato, roasted butternut squash and carrots. Add power to those side dishes by using fresh or frozen vegetables serve roasted carrots and parsnips, baked acorn squash or a spinach salad sprinkled with pomegranate seeds," said Banman.

Other tips include serving sweet potatoes and using milk or buttermilk instead of butter and cream and watch your portion sizes.

"No need to eliminate the decadent desserts, just serve smaller portions and set out a platter of seasonal fruit like clementines, pomegranates, figs and pears," said Banman.

A heaping plate and a second helping are a part of holiday feasts, but over-eating is also a contributing factor in the number of cardiac deaths during the winter months.

A balance of foods and eating in moderation helps with heart health and to feel good this holiday season.