The holidays can be a time of excesses. Holiday food is often high in fat and sugars, and few people stop to count calories. While you don't need to deprive yourself of your favorite treats during this time, it makes sense to focus on healthy foods. Whether snacking at home with loved ones or eating at a party, choose healthy snacks as much as possible.
Fruits and Vegetables
Before you touch anything, look around for the plate of raw veggies or cut-up fruit. Chances are you'll find at least one of them at most New Year's parties. If veggies are served with dips, take a moment to choose the healthiest one. Salsa is better than melted cheese, as you get the nutrients from the tomato and none of the saturated fat of the dairy.
Meats
While the turkey itself won't appear on a table that's serving only snacks, you might find other meats around. Look for salmon on crackers or deviled eggs. Hummus and other bean dips can also be a good protein choice, as long as you don't use chips for scooping. Instead, pick crunchy vegetables or whole wheat crackers to go with the dip.
Healthy Picks
When confronted with nothing that seems obviously healthy and low in calories, choose the lesser of two evils. For example, olives are better than honey-covered nuts as a quick snack, and brie on crackers is better than mozzarella sticks. Individual-size or mini-pizzas are better than chips as a quick snack, as long as they don't have added oils or fats on top of the cheese.
What Not To Have
When it comes to eating healthy on New Year's, what you don't eat is just as important. Foods like pigs in a blanket and chicken wings contain lots of saturated fat and calories. They also contain lots of sugar, either in the form of barbecue sauce or in the bread wrapping the sausages. Even veggie tempura is not the best choice. While you're getting something nutritious out of the vegetables, they're full of carbohydrates and fat from the frying process.
References
- "Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds -- or More!"; David Zinczenko; Rodale Books; 2007
- Eating Well: Healthy New Year's Eve Recipes and Menus
- Washington Post: Twelve Under-$20 Ways to Snack Well on New Year's Eve
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