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How Do You Make Holidays Healthier?

 

We all know that holidays, Thanksgiving especially, can leave you with a food overload. To break the cycle, the American Heart Association offers some tips for healthier holiday baking and cooking, such as:

  • Instead of butter, substitute equal parts cinnamon-flavored, no-sugar-added applesauce.
  • Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries.
  • Use herbs and spices, like rosemary and cloves, to flavor dishes instead of butter and salt.
  • Instead of whole or heavy cream, substitute low-fat or skim milk.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, they also offer recipes for appetizers like Four-Onion Dip, sides including Savory Sweet Potato Fries, Green Beans with Mushrooms and Onions or mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes. For the main dish, why not try Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus?

Then, top it all off with a Cranberry Spritzer. And of course we can’t forget about dessert. How about a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie?

This year, we want to know how you plan to make the holidays healthier! Send us your favorite tips, tricks or healthy holiday recipes, and we may feature them in next week’s Inside Track!

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