Thanksgiving is over, but it is still the holiday season. And, believe it or not, many of the traditional foods served during holidays can be healthy a simple trick is to not load on the butter, cream and sugar.

One recommendation by the American Heart Association is to use more healthful and flavorful methods of preparation. This means oven-frying rather than deep-fat frying; grilling, roasting or poaching instead of sauting in fat; relying on herbs and spices for flavor instead of cream and butter; and eating less meat and more vegetables. In fact, the AHA urges people to try some of these tips to ensure delicious holiday meals that are also healthy.

Start small. When it comes to holiday dining, the biggest concern is not just WHAT you are eating, but HOW MUCH of it you are eating. Aim to have small portions of those foods that are high in calories such as casseroles and desserts while filling up on lighter fare such as vegetables and lean turkey.

Talk Turkey. Turkey is a great source of lean protein and is healthiest if you skip the skin and go for the white meat. If you prefer the dark meat, mix and match in order to get a little extra flavor without adding too much fat.

Be sweet on sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber that can make a tasty side dish or dessert. A healthy way to cook them is to cut them in half, sprinkle with orange juice and a dash of brown sugar, and pop them into the oven.

Stuff with more veggies and less bread. Opt for less bread in your stuffing and add more onions, celery, vegetables, or fruits such as dried cranberries or apples to make a lower calorie version of the old stand by. Try using whole wheat bread in order to make it an even healthier option.

Sacrifice fat, not flavor. Use low-fat buttermilk or low-sodium chicken stock in place of cream or whole milk in dishes like mashed potatoes, whipped sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. You'll achieve a creamy consistency and loads a flavor, minus the unnecessary fat and calories.

Steam and mash. Try sneaking in more low-calorie vegetables by mashing or pureeing steamed or boiled cauliflower with fat-free milk. It's a flavorful substitute for mashed potatoes and can help balance an otherwise potato rich meal!

From holiday parties to family dinners, tempting savory treats abound in winter. As we move indoors and prepare to enjoy the winter foods that bring us comfort on cold nights, the American Heart Association encourages you to choose more heart-healthy indulgences, and avoid foods with high levels of the bad saturated and trans fats. For more information on healthier eating log onto www.americanheart.org.




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