Holiday time is the time for food, food and more food. Eating is a healthy and necessary part of life, but the holiday treats should not become so common place that they are eaten in large amounts all year round.
Moderation is the rule of thumb. At holiday time, food is often part of many traditions. Traditions are what make holidays different and special. Holiday treats should be considered special and reserved for these special times.
During the holiday season don’t forget to serve an abundance of fruits and vegetables as an alternative to high fattening and sugary foods. For a great side dish that is quick, easy and lower in fat and calories you might want to try this holiday apple salad:
Holiday Apple Salad
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
2 large firm red apples, such as Gala or Cameo
2 large green apples, such as Granny Smith or Crispin
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
½ cup reduced fat mayonnaise or try substituting with fat free vanilla yogurt
In a large salad bowl, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Wash the apples and dice them into ½ inch cubes. Stir the apples into the sweetened lemon juice to coat. Drain the excess lemon juice mixture from the apples. Add cranberries or raisins and mayonnaise. Mix this together and refrigerate it until serving time. This recipe makes 16 ½ cup servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 60 calories; 1 g total fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 trans fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 65 mg sodium; 12 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 0 g protein.
For more healthy holiday recipes, contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682 or visit us on the web at http://ces.ca.uky.edu/clark/.
Jennifer Howard is the Clark County extension agent for family and consumer sciences.
