Holiday Recipes: Staying Mindful During the Holiday Season

The holidays are the time for gatherings, celebrations, and plenty of food to indulge in. While it's fun to enjoy all the festive treats, it is still important to maintain balance, so you feel your best throughout the season.

Some tricks for the main course:

• Savor the classics

  • Pick what you love most to start with, so you know you will enjoy every bite. It keeps you from eating food you don't like and satisfies your holiday craving.

• Balance your plate

  • Get your cheesy casserole but add in some veggies. Or enjoy your pie after a meal full of protein and greens. Keeping your plate as healthy as you can is best for staying satisfied and mindful.

• Food isn't the holiday tradition.

  • The season isn't about your favorite food—it's about the people you share it with. A seasonal tradition can be as simple as playing a game with your family or going on a walk with a friend back home.

Mindful swaps for your favorites:

• Christmas Crack

  • Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate! Dark chocolate has antioxidants and less sugar than regular chocolate. You can also use whole-grain crackers and a light sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty crunch.

• Buckeyes (chocolate and peanut butter balls)

  • There are two options to make this dessert healthier for you. You can use peanut butter powder, also known as PB2, or mix half powder and half original peanut butter. Both will work great for the recipe- the choice is up to you!

• Mashed Potatoes

  • Swap heavy cream and butter for Greek yogurt or olive oil. You'll still get creamy texture with less saturated fat and a little extra protein.

• Green Bean Casserole

  • Swap canned soup for a homemade mushroom sauce with low-sodium broth. Top with crispy onions made in the air fryer for a crunchy texture without the grease.

The best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is feeling your best after a big meal. With these mindful tips and swaps, you can indulge in the sweet and savory traditions you love while keeping balance on the table.

Be well, Auburn.