5 holiday healthy swaps that can lighten up holiday treats
Healthy swaps don’t have to mean just eating a plate of broccoli. All types of holiday treats can be lightened up a little with a few easy food swaps.
Holiday treats don’t have to be a calorie bomb. A few healthy swaps can make any recipe a little lighter and possibly a little less calorie dense. While no one wants to compromise on flavor, these ingredient swaps could make you feel less guilty about all those holiday indulgences.
As everyone prepares for the final stretch of holiday baking, cooking and festivities, these five holiday healthy swaps could save you a few extra miles on that treadmill. More importantly, the swaps are easy and shouldn’t change the original recipe too much. Aramark and the American Heart Association suggested some of these replacements. Ready to try one?
Unsweetened apple sauce
For baking, unsweetened apple sauce can be a substitute for sugar. One cup of sugar can be replaced with one cup of unsweetened apple sauce. While sometimes this swap can change the texture slightly, it is a great idea for cakes. The swap can create a very moist cake.
Mashed bananas
Before anyone makes a comment about baby food, mashed bananas is a great substitute in baking recipes. The simple swap of one cup mashed bananas for one cup of melted butter or oil is a huge calorie and fat reduction. Plus, you can honestly say you’re eating your fruit when you bite into that cookie.
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Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt has become a kitchen staple. For many sauces, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, butter, oil and heavy cream. While this swap adds a nutritional boost, the exact ratios do vary. It is best to test the swap a couple of times to find the proper balance.
Hello fruit crisp
Holiday pies are often a popular choice for the dessert table. That flaky, buttery pastry is always tasty but it is a huge calorie item. If you like the fruit flavor of pie, why not make a fruit crisp for the holidays. The filing is just like your favorite pie, but there’s no crust.
Boost the herbs
Often people use butter and salt to flavor a dish. Boost the herbs, spices and other flavors to offset the salt and butter. A big punch of acid from citrus can easily reduce salt. Rosemary and thyme can reduce the need for extra butter. Plus, a flavorful dish is always more satisfying.
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Do have healthy holiday swaps or a holiday food hack? Share your idea below or tag us on social media using #FoodSided.