Tips To Enjoy Your Holidays Without Compromising Your Health Goals

Try these tips for maximizing your enjoyment of the holidays without compromising your health goals.

- Autumn Calabrese

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude for what you have in your life and nothing else. That said, it has also morphed into a day of indulgence, revolving around a heavy meal followed by cashing out on the couch. The key to celebrating this holiday with a healthful perspective lies in a little planning and taking some initiative.

Options for healthier sides

Thanksgiving in our family has several traditions when it comes to food. None are that healthy, however, you don't have to give up your favorite holiday side dishes. Just make them healthier (without ruining their comfort-food flavor) by swapping out a few of the ingredients. My Brother Bobby, chef and co-host of our cooking show “Fixate,” came up with some healthier versions of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.

Deviled eggs typically contain a lot of mayo. We use reduced-fat Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dill delicious and healthy makeover.

Try cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes as a complementary side dish—easy to make and mouth-watering yummy. You get to eat a veggie instead of a starchy, heavy carb, and we make ours with almond milk and olive oil which cuts way down on the cream and butter. It weighs in at 57 calories per serving compared to 215 calories per serving of traditional spuds.