There is nothing like the crispy bite of fried chicken, but those calories add up quickly. One of the best healthy alternatives is swapping out the fried food for shrimp cocktail. Whether fresh or frozen, this appetizer is rich in protein, and displays beautifully with a spicy & festive cocktail sauce. If your guests are inclined to snack before the meal, this easy fall recipe is a decadent and healthy switch.

Skip the sugary cola and all of the added calories it contains. Instead, sip sparkling water jazzed up with a sprinkle of flavor that will compliment your seasonal dishes. The refreshing taste of True Lemon Fruit Infusions will have you cool as a cucumber around your bustling relatives. This swap might even keep you so satiated that you won’t be tempted for sweets after dinner. 

Just because there is spinach in it doesn’t mean creamed spinach is a healthy dish. Traditionally, this side dish is brimming with milk, butter, and cheese. However, a lighter version limits the cream and ups the veggies by adding other green favorites like broccoli or zucchini into the mix for added vitamins & nutrients. You still get plenty of flavor from the spinach, but an added nourishing boost from other vegetables too. 

Trade out standard pasta with Shirataki noodles. These noodles have 100% fiber content which makes them low in calories and carb-free. Shirataki comes in all forms, such as macaroni, spaghetti, and angel hair, making them a great substitute for your holiday dishes. You can even add a richer sauce to these noodles with less guilt!

It may be a holiday favorite, but this festive beverage (without alcohol) contains almost 350 calories and 21 grams of sugar. That’s more than half of the recommended allotment for the entire day! Instead of a hefty glass of eggnog, tickle your tastebuds by sipping a small glass of light champagne bubbles. The effervescence helps keep consumption slow, and sparkling wine has far fewer calories.