Christmas dinner does not need to be unhealthy, and your local Phoenix physician recommends that you try to eat as many healthy foods as possible during Christmas and other holidays to avoid the weight gain associated with some of the less healthy holiday foods. Your local Phoenix physician recommends making healthier choices than some of the standard Christmas foods that are high in fat, sodium and carbohydrates and avoiding pre-packaged Christmas foods.
Use turkey instead of other meats
Turkey is a great source of lean protein, and is recommended by your local Phoenix physician as a healthy meat choice for your Christmas dinner. The skin is where most of the fat of a turkey is and if you eat turkey without the skin you will eat fewer calories per portion. Your Phoenix physician recommends cooking the turkey with as little salt and fat as possible, and there are plenty of recipes online that use lower amounts of fat and salt.
Incorporate fruits as much as possible
Fall fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, peaches and plums can be baked or roasted and add some natural sweetness to your Christmas dinner. If you decide to incorporate these foods into Christmas dinner desserts try to use low carb recipes and recipes that use Splenda instead of regular sugar. The dessert choices can be something as simple as diced fruit topped with a little bit of light whip cream or smoothies using fall fruits that can accompany Christmas dinner or be used as dessert.
Include vegetables in your Christmas dinner
Try to include as many vegetables as you can in your Christmas dinner as they are low in calories and fat and provide a fiber which helps with feeling full. Brussels sprouts, green beans, and sweet potatoes are all very healthy choices that any Phoenix physician would recommend. Your Phoenix physician recommends that you try to incorporate broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and other healthy vegetables into your Christmas dinner.
Try using salmon or other fish as protein substitutes
Salmon and other fatty fish are a great choice that any Phoenix physician would recommend for a Christmas dinner protein choice, and try to add fish into your other holiday entrees. Wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other holiday fish your Phoenix physician might recommend include herring, mackerel and many others.
Talk to your Phoenix physician if you aren’t sure what foods to pick for Christmas dinner
Your Phoenix physician can give you advice on the foods that might be harmful to you based on your particular health situation. Your Phoenix physician can also set you up with a meeting with a nutritionist to go over some of your dietary choices for the holidays and after and help you make improvements. Set an appointment with your Phoenix physician if you have concerns about your health as well before the holidays.