Healthy recipes for the holidays

Celebrate this festive season without getting a jelly belly

Eating well during holiday season is a bit like walking up a down escalator while everyone else is going down the right way-and they're gorging on delicious-looking bonbons at the same time. You're already struggling just to stay on track yourself, and now you have to contend with all those happy faces, most definitely bound for even more treats that you can't have.

The recipes we've gathered here will help you stay the course without missing all the fun. Some are easy weeknight choices, others are dressed-up enough for a special get-together. Of course you can have some of what they're having too, but these great sides, entrées, and (yes!) desserts will help you stay focused-and feel a lot better.


Healthy-Eating Tips:

Small Indulgences

Scarlett O'Hara dutifully ate before going to an important dinner party so she could eat like a bird later (and therefore be considered a real lady). But it would be a crime to miss out on the wonderful food of the season. Enjoy the holidays-just aim for moderation. A small slice of pie is just as delicious as a huge one and won't leave you feeling gross.

Mindful Munching

It's easy to absent-mindedly overdo it on finger food at cocktail parties. When you're at the buffet, choose the items you really want-then move away from the food and focus on your friends. And remember that drinks have calories, too.

Recipes:

Salads and Soups

Butternut Squash Soup with Chestnuts

Carrot Fennel Soup

Arugula, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Orange Cream

Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Beet Greens

Satisfying Entrées

Salmon Glazed with Honey and Mustard

Roast Pork Loin with Shiitake and Leek Compote

Stir-Fried Tofu with Mushrooms, Sugar Snap Peas, and Green Onions

Turkey Cutlets with Pan Salsa

Steamed Striped Bass with Ginger and Scallions

Festive Desserts

Scarlet Poached Pears

Roasted Plums with Greek Yogurt

Lemon Pudding Cake with Cranberry Syrup

Chocolate and Pecan Tartlets

Apple Pie

Want more ideas? Epicurious and Nutrition Data's Healthy Dinner Tonight gives you delicious and nutritious recipes-with full nutritional analysis-and healthy-eating tips every weekday (you can sign up to get the newsletter via RSS feed or e-mail).

By Megan O. Steintrager

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