Happy Holidays and welcome to the season of indulgence. While it is the season of yes, I reached out to Chef Ashley Keyes, founder of CHOICES the Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, to ask about tasty, healthy low-calorie dishes that we can add to our menu as a replacement or addition to holiday celebrations.
I asked Chef Ashley about one healthy addition to our holiday tables. Her first suggestion is roasted vegetables. She suggests roasting bell peppers, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and any of your favorite vegetables with a small amount of olive oil and balsamic for 15 - 20 minutes. Chef Ashley explains that the veggies will be crisp and full of nutrients.
The most popular appetizer these days is a charcuterie board usually filled with cured meats and other heavy favorites. Chef Ashley recommends remaking them with lean protein such as smoked salmon, grilled chicken breasts, beef, or pork tenderloin all served bite-size. She spoke about adding color by using fruit and veggies. For the main course, I asked Chef Ashley for suggestions on keeping the calories down, and she recommended switching up our holiday menus by using fish or other seafood for the main course.
Festive drinks are always popular and Chef Ashley suggests using low-sugar mixers with fresh fruit. She also mentions adding sparkling water or ginger beer to create drinks without alcohol. Many family recipes include high-calorie ingredients and share that apple sauce or bananas can be used as a substitute for oil and Greek yogurt can be used for cream. She mentions that using natural sugar from beets will also add iron to the mix.
Chef Ashley shares a favorite of mine from the CHOICES kitchen is a Chia seed pudding that is created with Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, and agave.
For more information on C. H. O. I. C. E. S. their community kitchen and classes for families.