By Publix - November 6, 2013

Lighten up and enjoy your favorite holiday treats

Benefits corner
Aprons Logo

‘Tis the season of family, friends, festivities and … food!

Your customers are shopping for all of the ingredients needed to make their favorite holiday dishes and treats, and you probably are, too. With more than 50,000 products at Publix from which to choose, the options are endless. But making healthful choices now can give you a head start on good health in 2014.

You’ve probably heard the advice, maintain — don’t gain. It’s especially helpful during the holidays. But how do you do that when there are so many temptations? Try introducing your family and friends to a lighter fare menu with appetizers, drinks and desserts instead of heavy meals. It’s also easy to lower the calories and fat in your holiday recipes, and your loved ones will most likely have a hard time tasting the difference.

Try these simple adjustments in your recipes:

  • Substitute light or reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream or mayonnaise for the full-fat varieties.
  • Replace creams with reduced-fat Greek yogurt in your favorite dips.
  • Use half real eggs and half egg substitute instead of all eggs when baking.
  • Oven fry your appetizers instead of deep frying them.
  • Choose whole grain breads and crackers to accompany your appetizers.
  • Substitute dark chocolate or cocoa powder in place of milk chocolate for your cookies and cakes.
  • Cut down on sugar by opting for less-sugary versions
    of your favorite drinks.

If your guests are in the mood for something a little more hearty, try Aprons Wild Rice-Stuffed Turkey with Roasted Potatoes and Squash. And don’t forget to recommend it to your customers, too!

Aprons Recipe

If you’re enrolled in Publix’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO Plan, you get the free benefit of the Carewise Care Management Program. Carewise offers valuable information and personalized support from specially-trained registered nurses on a variety of health topics. BCBS PPO Plan members can visit Carewise Online for additional tips and advice for eating a healthful diet — not just during the holidays but year-round. Just visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Carewise Care Management Program.