The Top Healthiest Holiday Foods

The holidays are filled with delicious foods and fun activities. However, what happens when you want to eat healthy? There are many options that allow you to enjoy your favorites, while still remaining healthy and on the right track with your overall wellness. Below are the top healthiest foods that will help you stay on track, while still getting to enjoy the season's festivities with loved ones. 

1. Lean Meats

Chicken and turkey are considered some of the healthiest lean meats that are served at most holiday gatherings. Whether oven baked or on a smoker outside, these protein filled meats do not contain unhealthy ingredients and will be very low in calories. 

2. Vegetables

If possible when you are enjoying your holiday meal, add a vegetable to your plate. Many times, hosts will serve some sort of vegetable whether it’s green beans or brussel sprouts. These will always be one of the healthiest options you can choose from when deciding what to eat. 

3. Mashed Side Dishes

There are many versions of mashed side dishes that are made during the holiday season. Although mashed potatoes are a classic, they are often filled with extra butter and cream. Opt for an alternative such as mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower. If you are wanting to focus on something extremely healthy then mashed cauliflower can be a good choice because.  It is going to be lower carb and less starchy than potatoes will have.

5. Salads

It may sound cliche, but if you are looking for something simple and healthy, salad is an excellent option. Regardless of whether you have the option of a mixed greens salad, a brussel sprouts salad, or a salad with greens and butternut squash, you will be making a good decision to incorporate the extra vegetables and greens into your meal. 

6. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a side dish that are often served at holiday parties and are typically very healthy. Eggs in general are low in calories and even deviled eggs do not have many added calories. Most people will create deviled eggs with the addition of mustard or a small amount of mayonnaise along with some relish. This is a great food to add to your plate at Thanksgiving. The protein in eggs is filling and low in calories. 

Looking for More Fitness Tips?

It is important to remember that although you want to stay healthy and eat your best during the holiday season, it is also okay to indulge once in a while. There are many foods that you can consume during gatherings that allow you to stay in your healthy routine, but don’t forget to enjoy something if you want to do so. The holidays are all about balance and it is critical to enjoy what you want to, but to also do your best to stay in your health routine. Looking for more healthy tips? Check out the XTERRA Fitness blog for more.