It doesn't have to be that way, of course. I wish that Americans had the kind of unequivocally joyous attitude toward food and celebration that Europeans and many ethnic cultures do. Here are my favorite ideas for eating heartily yet healthfully during the holiday season. Take a handful of these tips, season them with plenty of thanks and blessings for the abundant harvest, add a few loved ones and stir well. Serve in a relaxing, inviting, and joyful atmosphere.
Ethnic cookery offers an abundance of exciting options.
Holidays are a perfect time for a bit of indulgence, but too much of it never makes anyone feel good. These days, there are many super ways to substitute healthier ingredients for fatty ones. It also addresses the needs of those who can't use dairy products. For baking, you can substitute non-fat yogurt or applesauce for all the fat in a recipe. I particularly like nonfat vanilla yogurt for making quick sweet breads and muffins.