Although we might associate the holiday season with sugar, treats and other indulgences, it’s still possible to sneak green superfoods, fruits and veggies into your diet along the way. In fact, a lot of the classic holiday ingredients that may come to mind, are in fact healthy and nutrient-dense. As long as you eat these ingredients in healthy dishes (and not necessarily baked into pies or covered in sugar), you can indulge guilt-free!
Pomegranate: Other than being rich in nutrients, pomegranates are both gorgeous and fun to eat. Not only do pomegranates contain vitamin C, K and folate, but the seeds of just one pomegranate contain about 45% of our daily-recommended value for fiber.[1] Add pomegranate seeds to a delicious winter salad or eat one as a snack!
Cranberries: Nothing says Thanksgiving like cranberries. Ditch the canned stuff this year and opt for fresh cranberries, which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, plus help our bodies to naturally detox.[2]
Pumpkin: Even more so than cranberries, pumpkin might very well win when it comes to the most popular holiday ingredient of all. From pumpkin stews, to smoothies and pie, it’s hard to resist this festive ingredient. The good news is that pumpkin contains vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber, making it particularly helpful for warding off that holiday hanger.[3]
Pecans: Although pecans are often associated with desserts, there are a ton of recipes that utilize them in a healthier, but still irresistibly delicious way. Pecans are not just a classic holiday ingredient, but they’re also extremely nutrient dense. Loaded with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties, they are a perfect ingredient for sprinkling on top of your salad or pumpkin chia pudding![4]
Cinnamon: Spices are key to holiday cooking and cinnamon is no exception. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle this superfood all over your holiday dishes! Cinnamon has been shown to be anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and is a good source of manganese, fiber and calcium.[5]
Brussels Sprouts: Couldn’t complete this list without including at least one green veggie! Whether you like them or not, there’s no disputing that Brussels sprouts are a powerful superfood. Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamin C, fiber, folate and antioxidants and make a great choice for your next holiday side dish![6]
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[1]“Pomegranates, raw Nutrition Facts & Calories”. SelfNutritionData.com. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
[2]“Cranberries”. Worlds Healthiest Foods. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
[3]Klein, Sarah. “8 Impressive Health Benefits of Pumpkin”. The Huffington Post. 5 Oct 2012. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
[4]Barrett, Mike. “Health benefits of Pecans – Over 7 Reasons to Enjoy Pecans.” Natural Society. 11 March 2013. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
[5]“Cinnamon, ground.” World’s Healthiest Foods. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
[6]“What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts?” SF Gate Healthy Eating. Web. 7 Nov 2016.
