Let the feasting begin!
...And look out for all those rich foods and junk foods coming your way!
It seems as though the trick-or-treat candy of Halloween marks the beginning of a season full of candies, rich foods, and baked goods. The fresh produce of summer and harvest time seems to fade into oblivion while rich meats and sugary treats take center stage. And it takes a toll on our health and well-being too. I do rather wonder if there's any connection between the increase in colds and flu as winter approaches and the increase in these less than ideal culinary indulgences...?
Here are a few ideas for HEALTHY SWAPS this upcoming holiday season:
Instead of: heavy, fattening stuffing or dressing...
Why not try: a lovely wild rice pilaf? (onions, pecans, parsley, dried apricots?) You can even add the additions after cooking the wild rice on its own. OR... you can sprout the wild rice and create an all raw dish!
Instead of: adding butter and brown sugar to steamed squash...
Why not try: coconut oil (which aids in weight loss) and raw honey or organic maple syrup, plus some spices like cinnamon (stablizes blood sugar) and nutmeg?
Instead of: a creamed vegetable side dish...
Why not try: a crisp salad of romaine lettuce, fresh pears and/or apples, raw nuts, and dried cranberries, with a homemade vinaigrette?
Instead of: coffee with cream and sugar...
Why not try: caffeine-free rooibos (red) tea with coconut milk and organic maple syrup?
Instead of: gooey sugary caramels...
Why not try: naturally sweet and chewy Medjool dates?
Instead of: the traditional baked apple pie...
Why not try: a raw version with nuts and fresh fruit?
What kind of healthy food options do you have in mind for these upcoming weeks as we approach Thanksgiving?
Instead of pumpkin pie (which usually has cow's milk and plenty of sugar):
ReplyDeleteWhy not try: Betsy's delicious pumpkin smoothie (made with coconut milk and honey or stevia)? : )
~Erin