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The holidays are upon us, but unfortunately, this joyous occasion is being celebrated in conjunction with a global pandemic (yup,still). And while we want to indulge in our favorite festive foods like egg nog and ginger snaps, many of us also want to support our immune system to stay healthy and strong during this season.
The good news is that with some small changes, we can do both. Your holiday season doesn’t have to be all carrot sticks and mocktails to make it through cold and flu season scot free. Read on to learn just how simple it is to boost your nutrition, support your health, and enjoy this festive time of the year.
Offer shrimp cocktail as an app
People tend to enjoy noshing before a meal while enjoying a beverage and chatting. Pass up the heavy puff pastries and fried options and serve a shrimp cocktail or a dippable shrimp skewer instead for a satisfying tidbit that gives a boost of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Opt for sustainable shrimp when creating your appetizer. Since Greensbury Market’s shrimp is wild caught Key West shrimp that are sustainably sourced and are peeled and deveined before freezing, they are a perfect choice for any holiday meal.
Serve turkey bacon at breakfast time
For many, holidays mean time off of work and lazy breakfasts with family. While traditional bacon is a fan favorite for starting the day, it can contain high amounts of saturated fat. Swapping pork bacon with Greensbury organic turkey bacon gives a similar satisfying taste but with less fat and fewer calories.
The Greensubury turkey bacon contain no hormones, no antibiotics, no animal by-products – only the good stuff!
Watch your portion sizes
Your favorite foods can still be enjoyed throughout the holiday season as long as you are not overdoing it on the portions. If you are a meat-eater, buying your beef that is pre-portioned can help you stick with the recommended 3-4 ounce serving. Greensbury’s organic grass fed flank steak is pre-portioned to one 8-ounce cut of meat – perfect for splitting into two! Pair your 4 oz serving with some sweet potato wedges and steamed broccoli for a balanced, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying holiday meal.
Choose your mixers wisely
If you are feeling extra-festive and are going to be enjoying a cocktail, skip the sugary mixers and go for 100% fruit juice or club soda instead. The juice will give your body a boost of nutrition and the club soda will help cut the calories you consume. Or better yet, go for a mocktail and skip the booze altogether.
Use Greek yogurt as a dip base
Instead of using sour cream as a base for classic dips, use plain Greek yogurt instead. You will end up eating fewer calories, less fat, and more protein. Bonus? You will also get the immune-supporting benefit of the live probiotics the yogurt supplies too. We promise – you won’t be able to taste the difference.
Choosing the right foods during the holidays is simple, delicious, and could help your body get in the right nutrients to have a healthy holiday season. By incorporating these small swaps into your diet over the next few weeks, you will be helping your body stay in fighting shape while still enjoying this special time of the year.
Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian based in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in human nutrition and is passionate about helping people achieve their nutrition goals. She currently acts as a consultant, food blogger, and freelance writer for outlets including Eating Well and POPSUGAR. When Lauren isn't working, she is enjoying the outdoor life with her daughter, husband, and rescue-pup.
