The holiday season is not the right time to start worrying about “eating right”. At least, it’s not for me! I love pies, cookies, my chocolate advent calendar, stuffing, warm rolls, and all of those other things that are not considered part of a healthy diet. Each year, I say that I will leave healthy eating for the new year and embrace the holiday season (and my favorite foods)!
This year, I have decided to do things a little differently. I am not giving up all of my holiday favorites (that will NEVER happen), but I am tempering them with some healthy alternatives.
The idea came to me as I was harvesting the last hardy vegetables from my garden. All I could think of was how sad I was to see an end to the fresh fruits and vegetables that I have been enjoying for months. I was thinking of how easy it is to eat healthy all summer long. Each morning, I was so excited to pick berries to add to yogurt for breakfast. I happily munched on cucumbers fresh from the garden and cherry tomatoes that were still warm from the sun.
Fall comes, and the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables has me reaching for some not-so-healthy options. Well, this year, that is going to change. I am not giving up the sweets entirely, but they will be a savored bonus and not my go-to!
There are some leftovers from the garden that have been canned or frozen to enjoy all winter long. Those will be a fantastic side dish to help remember the warmth of summer. I am also finding some fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store that may no longer be local but are able to give me the flavors that I am craving.
I even found a delicious dip that I can make with fresh herbs all year. This dip is amazing with all vegetables and even pita bread!
Yogurt Herb Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
¼ cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Directions:
Add the yogurt, sour cream, garlic, and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir to combine. Then add all the fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
When I go to holiday parties this year, I will be bringing my famous chocolate chip cookies, but I will also be bringing a veggie tray with this delicious dip. Maybe there are others like me who enjoy holiday sweets but are not waiting for New Year’s before eating fresh and healthy as well!
