Redefining holiday treats
You probably have a party or two to go to these next couple of weeks. You've been asked to bring a dish, or you'd like to bring something to the gracious hostess.
Does it have to be sugar and fat-laden to the point of obscenity?
Of course not. Unfortunately, holiday "treats" are now more like holiday terrors. You (and everyone else) enjoy them at the moment, but may spend days afterwards beating yourself up for the indulgence. Pants tight, body bloated—this is a treat?
First of all, guilt doesn't do a thing for anybody. You don't need guilt, and you don't have to give a treat that could lead to others experiencing guilt. With that said, a little planning will help you not derail all of your healthy efforts—or anyone else's.
Bring a dish
Go onto the Internet and plug in "light holiday cooking" and browse some websites for healthy ideas. Root vegetables and nuts are in abundance now, as are citrus, cranberries and pumpkin. You should see a lot of healthy recipes that will incorporate them.
If you're in a rush (and who isn't this month), you can pick up healthy treats from the store. Again, plan ahead. That way, when you walk into the store and see the wonderful, healthy pecans that were drowned in a vat of corn syrup and then called "pie," you'll be able to keep walking.
Vegetable trays are also healthy options, and you'd be surprised how many folks will appreciate having one available. I've never been to a party yet where the vegetable tray sat untouched. Who doesn't appreciate having it cut up already for you?
Hostess gift
Really, when bringing a gift, the presentation can be just as important as the gift itself. How about a fruit basket? They're beautiful with their multicolored pears and apples or any other selection of fruits, with a festive bow tied on. Or you could use a bowl and add a sprig of herbs tied together with ribbon for decoration.
Speaking of herbs, they can be used to flavor vinegars that can be used on salads. Bottled with a sprig of the herb inside, they make attractive—and useful— hostess gifts.
Gifts for family
If you're the lucky family member that every year gets to bake cookies and fill tins for the family, substitute a couple of newer, healthier cookie recipes for some of those shortening-reliant ones. Choose recipes that include healthier, old- fashioned ingredients such as oats, raisins, and nuts. Actually, raisins and dried fruits are good, natural sources of sugar, which makes less of a need for the granulated kind of sugar.
