Connect as a family by creating new holiday food traditions together. Spend quality time by cooking up a new vegetable recipe. Or make festive food gifts using healthy ingredients such as filling jars with homemade soup mix by layering dried lentils, herbs and spices.

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal, or hopping from one party to the next, you can still take part in the festivities and keep your commitment to eating well.

Holiday time equals family time

Cut your chance of overeating at special events by eating regularly during the day — no skipping meals. Curb your hunger before an event with a small, healthy snack an hour before you head out. Think plain yogurt with fruit.

At the party, keep your portions in check by using smaller plates. If you choose to drink alcohol, alternate with sparkling water with lime, low-sodium vegetable juice, or cranberry juice with club soda.

Stay on the healthy track at holiday parties

Hosting a holiday meal is a great opportunity to show off your creativity by adding healthy twists to your family favourites. Balance out rich holiday foods with vegetables that have colour and crunch.

n Start your meal with a steaming bowl of soup. Try roasted butternut squash, carrot or sweet potato soup. These are easy to make and are packed with antioxidant power.

n Give side dishes star power by using fresh or frozen vegetables. Serve roasted carrots and parsnips, baked acorn squash, or a spinach salad sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. For a twist on mashed potatoes, try sweet potatoes instead. Swap in buttermilk or milk instead of butter and cream.

n Elevate your stuffing with whole grain bread or wild rice instead of white bread. Add carrots, celery and dried fruit for extra flavour.

n Serve small portions of decadent desserts and lay out a platter of seasonal fruit such as clementines, pomegranates, figs and pears.

Host with the most

For more tips on healthy eating, visit HealthyCanadians.gc.ca/EatWell

Bienmanger

Easy ways to Eat hEalthy during thE holidaysFriends, family and food. These are the hallmarks of the holiday season. But let’s face it, sometimes there’s a big helping of stress that goes along with one of the busiest times of the year. When it comes to healthy eating, you can conquer the holiday rush with a little food planning and prep.

n Cook meals ahead of time and freeze extra portions.

This will help free up time to spend with your family,

shop or socialize.

n Stock up on healthy snacks to have on hand during

the busy holiday season: pre-cut vegetables and fruit,

hummus and whole grain pita, plain yogurt, and unsalted

nuts and seeds.

n Have a list of fast go-to meal ideas built around the four

food groups. Whip up a veggie-filled omelette to enjoy

with whole grain bread, or roll up a whole grain tortilla

with beans and cheese.