The holidays are a tough time to stay healthy. These simple swaps will allow you to enjoy holiday parties without ruining all your hard work.

2. The holiday season is considered by many to
be the time to pig out and ignore any calorie
counting or dietary goals. But just because it
may be easier to forget healthy eating at the
time, you will almost certainly regret it later
when you notice the lost progress and weight
gain from the extra food. Not to mention
unhealthy foods are typically terrible for your
oral health.

3. It’s important to know you can eat healthy
and still enjoy delicious foods in the holiday
season! It’s all about knowing what to avoid,
what to substitute, and what to eat in
moderation.

4. Eat this: Baked potatoes
A simple baked potato, sans the cheese, tons
of salt, and whipped butter, is pretty healthy,
especially with the skin included. Starches still
aren’t the healthiest of foods, but potatoes
are very filling, so they can help you stay away
from other, more sugary options.

5. Not that: Sweet potato dishes
Sweet potatoes themselves aren’t bad for you.
It’s the toppings that do all the damage. These
“enhanced” dishes often include plenty of
additional delicious, yet diet-busting toppings
like marshmallows, honey, and brown sugar.
There’s just no way to rationalize eating this
should-be dessert during your main course.

6. Eat this: Plain vegetables
Steamed green beans and carrots are a boring
but incredibly healthy addition to any holiday
plate. They have plenty of nutrients and do
not add any unnecessary calories.

7. Not that: Vegetable dishes that
include the words “cream” or
“casserole”.
Creamy spinach, corn casserole, creamed
green beans. While they may be tastier than
just plain old vegetables, the number of extra
calories, sugar, fat, and sodium that you will
be consuming is simply not worth it. Stick to
the plain vegetables.

8. Drink this: Red wine
Red wine is good for your heart, pairs well
with holiday meals, and does not have any
additives that can enlarge your waistline.

9. Not that: Nearly any common holiday
drink.
Drinks consumed during the holiday season,
alcoholic or otherwise, are filled with sugar,
and loads of it. Whether it’s egg nog, a mixed
drink like a martini, or a Starbucks cappuccino,
they may taste delicious, but just remember
that the drink will be sticking around well after
the holiday season ends.

10. Don’t sacrifice a year of healthy eating for a
few days of seriously unhealthy drinking and
eating. Your waistline, oral health, and overall
health will thank you.

11. Serenity Dental of Rocklin
• SerenityDental.net
• (916) 630-1084