Well, we are smack dab in the middle of the holidays. We are in the trenches, the dark days, unforgiving times, etc… You get the point, its rough out there. At this of time year your (me) time is limited due to other priorities. Gym time is limited and getting that proper nutrition is tough because you are probably eating a bunch of junk at these holiday parties. There is only one choice and that is to consume the healthiest foods at the party!

Beginning with the appetizers, two healthy and great appetizers are nuts and crackers. These two snacks are pretty prevalent as snack food at most holiday parties. If you read last week’s blog on nuts you would understand how a handful of these guys will prolong your life greatly.

Crackers are not a bad option, especially when unhealthy choices are shoved in your face. The caloric intake is not bad with crackers but not the best. That said, they will make you feel full quicker than most appetizers preventing over indulgence.

After those appetizers comes the real meal! Usually the main course will contain at least one kind of meat. Some of the best/healthiest meats I found on the list were the roasted turkey and beef brisket. The roasted turkey (no skin) comes in at a lean 190 calories at 4oz. The turkey carries a solid protein source, its low in fat, and will definitely keep that belly full.

The beef brisket is definitely no slouch! It contains a slightly higher fat content than the roasted turkey, yet also packing lean protein. Both of these choices will be better than the typical ham and pot roast that are sneaky high in calories.

Lastly…..dessert! Looking at some of the common holiday dessert lists, rice pudding and sweet potato pie are going to be some of your best options. Though both pack a good amount of calories per serving, there are many others that will have you tipping the scale. At this point, if you have made it this far, a little indulgence never killed anyone. Till next time.

-Phil