Food is part of holiday traditions, and your family likely looks forward to certain recipes. Luckily, there are some simple substitutes to make your favorite holiday recipes a bit healthier.
Consider the following tips to transform your recipes without sacrificing flavor:
- Fat—For baked goods, use half the butter or oil and replace the other half with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
- Salt—If baked goods don't require yeast, you can reduce salt by half.
- Sugar—Reduce the amount of sugar by one-third to one-half. Instead, add spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg—or flavorings such as vanilla or almond extract to boost sweetness.
Get creative and experiment with other ways of creating healthy recipes for your most beloved holiday traditions.
Are You Getting Enough Water?
To prevent dehydration, you need to consume adequate amounts of fluid. Dehydration can increase your risk of illnesses and cause health problems, such as fatigue and muscle weakness. According to new guidelines, men should get about 3.7 liters (15 ½ cups) of fluids each day, and women need about 2.7 liters (11 ½ cups).
Remember that the water content of the foods you eat counts as well. You need to get enough water for your body to operate at its best. Make water your beverage of choice, and consider these simple tips to help achieve your daily water intake:
- Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
- Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you for easy access during the day.
- Choose sparkling water instead of alcoholic drinks or soft drinks.