LOGAN, UT – Tasty aromas coming from the oven are very much a part of family holiday traditions. Maybe it’s a special pie or quick bread, or perhaps cookies or muffins. Whatever it is, most folks plan on gaining a pound or two over the holidays because of these special foods. Though it’s difficult not to indulge, it’s possible to cut back on calories when baking holiday favorites. Consider these tips that will have little, if any, effect on flavor or texture.
Use ingredient exchanges to lower fat content. Fruit puree, such as unsweetened applesauce, or plain yogurt can replace up to half the fat (shortening or butter) called for in a baked item. Instead of using frosting for cookies, brownies or cakes, substitute a sprinkling (using a sifter) of powdered/confectioner’s sugar over the top instead. This significantly cuts fat and extra calories.
Increase whole grains in recipes. Admittedly, getting used to whole wheat flour in recipes can take time, not only because of the difference in flavor but also because the weight of the final product can be heavier and harder to digest. It is worth making the change to whole wheat and other grains that add fiber to recipes because of the health benefits. Start by replacing half the flour in a recipe. Another option is to use hard white wheat flour so color isn’t the first clue that something is different in the recipe.
Reduce salt. Some baked goods can be very high in sodium. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, try using a scant teaspoon instead. Then, next time, reduce it even more to one-half teaspoon per recipe. We can condition our taste buds to be more sensitive to the taste of salt so that we can eventually use much less not only in baking but at the dinner table as well.
Watch portion sizes. As we prepare holiday foods to share with family and friends, we should consider offering smaller portions. Try making cookies a bit smaller or offering only a few of an item instead of an entire plate.
Reduce sugar. While candy making depends on correct amounts of sugar and other ingredients to make the end result turn out properly, there is some freedom in exchanging and reducing amounts of sugar in baking. Using one-fourth cup less sugar per each cup in a recipe, the carbohydrates are reduced and calories as well. If you are tempted to substitute white granulated sugar with a more “healthy” sweetener, such as honey, agave nectar or maple syrup, keep in mind that these sweeteners still add carbohydrates to the recipe although they are easier to digest and are more natural.
Keep in mind that indulging in foods that are high in fat, sugar, sodium and refined flour for a few days is not an act of diet treason. Those with dietary diseases such as diabetes do, however, need to be mindful of their limitations. Otherwise, enjoy the holidays and know that you can still remain active and can exercise to burn off extra calories. Try a little will power to avoid overeating meal after meal the entire month and keep in mind that this season will come to an end and you can get back to being your healthy self in January.
By: Kathy Riggs - Dec. 7, 2012
