Healthy recipes for your holiday party
The holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends, often over food and drink. While it’s not something you might want to think about during this festive time, cancer prevention is always in season—and the choices you make every day can lower your risk for several types of cancer. The good news? It’s easier than you think to keep those healthy habits during the holidays by adding some healthy ingredients to your appetizers and drinks. Here are five ideas to lighten up a few party favorites for your next holiday get-together.
- Stuffed dates are a fun bite for parties, and you don’t need to wrap them in bacon for flavor (bacon is linked to higher rates of colorectal cancer). All you need are dates, goat cheese, walnuts and honey for a filling, nutritious and delicious appetizer.
- Chex mix is a holiday season staple in many houses. Instead of the store-bought version, make it at home using less butter or seasoned salt than the recipe calls for and adding multigrain Cheerios, extra nuts or pretzels to the mix. It’s perfect for munching during a game of dreidel at your Hanukkah party!
- Crudité is one of the healthiest—and easiest—appetizers you can bring to the table. You can never go wrong filling up with some fruits and veggies at the party. Choose a variety of red and green produce for a Christmas or Kwanzaa vibe. Add some protein by whipping up this quick and flavorful cottage cheese dip. If charcuterie is your thing, there are still plenty of ways to make your board healthy and delicious.
- It wouldn’t be a holiday party without sweets. Bring these black bean brownies to your next gathering and see if anyone notices the secret ingredient. (Don’t forget to check for food allergies if you choose to incorporate any unique ingredients). Use a grater to shave Andes mints on top to take it up a notch.
- Drinking alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer including breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver and oral cancers. If you’re hosting a party, be sure to serve a nonalcoholic option for your guests, like hot cider, hot chocolate or a signature mocktail. If someone else is hosting, pick up a nonalcoholic drink to bring with you and share.
If you’re known for bringing an appetizer to parties that’s not so nutritious, consider other ways to make your next holiday party healthier. Stand more and sit less, mingle away from the food and drink tables, or take a walk before or after the gathering.
Cheers to a happy—and healthy—holiday season!