The holiday season is well known for family gatherings and fun with friends; we are all excited to celebrate what we accomplished during the year, as well as what we expect next year to hold. However, this does not mean that our commitment to a sustainable life ought to get lost amid all of the holiday cheer, especially when considering the aftereffects of so much celebrating – the ‘holiday hangover,’ as it were... For instance, many individuals struggle with gastrointestinal diseases such as acid reflux, which, in some cases, can lead to esophageal cancer. A spike in gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion tend to occur around the holiday season when many people throw caution to the wind by foregoing their healthy nutritional habits in the spirit of celebration; more specifically, many people choose to overindulge in the holiday festivities by consuming much more food than their bodies require, including dishes that, while tasty, are typically poor for one’s health. But, as enticing as holiday treats can be, perhaps this is a dangerous and irresponsible way to begin a new year? Celebrating does not mean that we must inevitably throw our health into the trash; even those we have not been previously diagnosed with gastric diseases need to pay close attention to what they eat and how much they consume. Getting overwhelmed with food or drinks will not make our holidays more enjoyable in the long-run so, for those who are looking to preserve their health throughout the holidays, I came up with a list of ingredients, fruits, sides, and beverages that I recommend including in our recipe book!
Shrimp cocktail is a delicious appetizer that is rich in protein, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. It is also easy to prepare. You should consider adding it as an appetizer for your meals.
Red wine, when sampled in moderation, has heart-health benefits; for example, it prevents blood vessel damage and reduces your 'bad cholesterol.' Remember to drink it only if you are over 21 years old!
Certain Mocktails are composed of grape juice made with Concord grapes; these grapes do not have sugar added, and they have the same heart benefits as red wine. Plus, this beverage does not contain alcohol, so everybody can drink it!
Lentils are rich in both fiber and protein and Can serve as a great meat substitute. If you would like to become vegan next year, this is a good option to consider for your diet!
Avocado provides good fat, and it can be a delicious side to your dishes!
Greek yogurt-based dips and hummus are yummy low-calorie options for your chips and veggies.
Dark Chocolate is a great dessert thanks to its antioxidants, which can help prevent excessive weight gain.
Frozen grapes can be a sneaky substitute for candies! They are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols.
Adding these items to our diets will assure us a healthier life and a good start for next year. Personally, I intend to transform my traditional holiday menu into an organic holiday seasonal celebration that will extend throughout the whole year; why not give it a try for yourself? Everything will depend on how much we follow this list and how positively our bodies adapt to such nutritional changes. Oh, and always remember to consult a registered dietitian nutritionist or your primary care provider if you have more questions concerning this subject. Happy – and healthy - holiday snacking!
Sources:
Elliot, Brianna. “Is Shrimp Healthy? Nutrition, Calories, and More” Healthline. February 16, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-shrimp-healthy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
Leffler, Samantha. “25 Healthy Food Swaps for the Holidays.” November 19, 2019 https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-food-swaps-holidays/
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