Vacation food challenges: Healthy Swaps for Popular Vacation Treats

The holiday season is on the horizon, so it’s time to enjoy the company of friends and families and at the same time treat yourself to the festive foods.

That said, holiday food forges friendships, provokes a feeling of nostalgia and last but not least, tastes ultra-delicious. However, these foods are less nutritious and more indulgent and require healthy alternatives.

Whether you are contemplating celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas in the Swiss Alps or planning to jump on board a Japanese cruise to view high-tech skyscrapers in Tokyo, here are some healthy holiday food swaps to enjoy on every occasion without feeling deprived.

Frozen yogurt for Ice cream 

Enjoying ice cream is irresistible on any vacation, but it contains high sugar content, fats and of course, calories.

Opting for frozen yogurt instead, especially of the low-sugar variety, delivers the same creamy taste and is a great substitute with fewer calories and much less fat. Try this Cantaloupe Yogurt Popsicles Recipe

Grilled or baked food vs fried food 

Though fried food is a staple in almost every tourist destination around the world, whether it is tempura in Japan or tacos in Mexico, these delicious treats come packed with calories and unhealthy fats.

So instead of a deep-fried offering, go for baked or grilled meals that maintain the flavor of the fried version, albeit using much less oil.

Grilled fresh seafood is a great alternative, especially if you are visiting a coastal destination. Try this Grilled Fish Tacos with Fermented Cilantro Kefir Sauce Recipe

Mocktails instead of cocktails

It is impossible to miss out on your favorite cocktail while on a vacation. In fact, most people look forward to gulping down a few every evening. While sipping a cocktail by the pool is synonymous on a holiday, these concoctions come loaded with sugar and empty calories.

Switch to mocktails instead of cocktails in order to enjoy a festive drink without all the sugar. A mocktail, made especially with fresh ingredients like berries, mint and lime can be incredibly refreshing, but sans the added alcohol and sugar. Try this Sparkling Peach Tea Blackberry Mocktail Recipe

Dips and chips for hummus

Gorging on chips and dips is a foregone conclusion, whether on a road trip or at the beach or even in a hotel room on any vacation. While these may be tasty and convenient snacks, they contain unhealthy fats, salts and calories.

The next time you reach out for a bag of chips on your holiday, think twice and opt for hummus or guacamole for an equally satisfying crunch. Moreover, hummus is not only rich in protein, it contains healthy fats as well which makes it a much tasty and nutritious dip that still feels indulgent. Try this Baba Ganoush with Zucchini Recipe

Fruit parfaits instead of pastries 

People love indulging in pastries and croissants in a popular bakery, more so on an outing. These irresistible breakfast treats are often high in refined fats and sugar.

So the next time you are craving for something sweet, switch to a fruit parfait made from yogurt, a sprinkle of granola and of course, fresh fruit.This nutritious option is a great way to start the day. Try this Keto Breakfast Yogurt Parfait Recipe