By: Amber Carson, MS, RD, LD – Trinity Woods Dietician

Winter holidays are full of festive feasts, but with a few smart swaps, you can enjoy the season without overindulging. Here’s a cheerful “Eat This, Not That” guide to help you stay energized and balanced through the holidays.

Eat This! – Veggie Tray with Hummus
Not That! – Cheese Cubes & Creamy Dips
Why? – Lower in saturated fat and calories

Eat This! – Fruit Salad or Baked Apples
Not That! – Pie With Whipped Cream
Why? – Natural Sweetness, Fewer Empty Carbs

Eat This! – Roasted Turkey or Chicken
Not That! – Glazed Ham or Prime Rib
Why? – Leaner Protein, Less Sodium

Eat This! – Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Not That! – Eggnog or Heavy Cream Desserts
Why? – Protein-Rich, Lighter Indulgence

Eat This! – Cauliflower Mash
Not That! – Butter-Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Why? – Lower Carb, Creamy Texture

Eat This! – Light Mulled Wine
Not That! – Heavy Cocktails
Why? – Lower Alcohol and Sugar Content

Bonus Tips:
Use smaller plates to help with portion control.
Don’t skip meals – eat a balanced breakfast to avoid overdoing it later.
Focus on the company and conversation, not just the food.