Healthful Holiday Entrées
According to the study Holiday Weight Gain: Fact or Fiction, "among the entire population, weight gain during the 6-week holiday season explained 51% of annual weight gain. These results suggest that holiday weight gain may be an important contributor to the rising prevalence of obesity."Yes, holiday meals are often more generous when it comes to solid fats and added sugars, but they don't have to be. In fact, there are lots of great recipes out there that still taste indulgent without actually piling on the calories.Here are a few examples...Chicken Mushroom Sauté2 tsp olive oil8 ounces thinly sliced chicken breasts2 cups white wine (or broth)1/4 cup minced onion (or shallots)2 cups sliced mushroomsSalt and pepper to tasteHeat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken on both sides until lightly browned on the outside and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from pan.Add onion, wine, mushrooms, and seasonings to the skillet, then let cook until the liquid has almost evaporated. Serve the chicken topped with the mushroom sauté.Serves 4. Each serving: 214 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 48 mg cholesterol, 195 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrate, .5 g fiber, 19 g protein.Asian-Style Flounder1 cup chopped green onion1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger1 tablespoon minced garlic2 tablespoons light soy sauce2 teaspoons sesame oil16 ounces fresh flounder4 cups raw spinachPreheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the spinach in a baking dish, then top it with the fish and the rest of the ingredients.Bake the fish until done, about 10 minutes.Serves 4. Each serving: 174 calories, 9 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 51 mg cholesterol, 618 mg sodium, 3.5 g carbohydrate, 3.5 g fiber, 19 g protein.Barbecue Baked Salmon4 4-ounce salmon fillets4 tablespoons barbecue sauce1/4 cup waterSliced lemonsPreheat oven to 375 degrees F.Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and add water. Top each fillet with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce and bake until done, about 20 minutes.Serve with fresh lemon.Serves 4. Each serving: 217 calories, 12 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 66 mg cholesterol, 193 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 22 g protein.Salsa Broiled Tilapia16 ounces of tilapia fillets2 cups chopped tomato1 lime, juice only1/2 cup chopped red onion1/2 cup chopped green pepper1/2 teaspoon minced jalapeño1 tablespoon chopped cilantroPreheat your oven's broiler. Place fish in a baking dish and top with tomato, lime juice, green onion, and jalapeño.Broil until fish is done, about 10 minutes.Serve hot with baked salsa spooned over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.Serves 4. Each serving: 130 calories, 3.2 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 57 mg cholesterol, 59 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 19 g protein.To share this information with your clients, don't miss the printable (and download) handout that comes with this post!
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