Keep These Items In The Fridge To Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Once Thanksgiving arrives, it can feel like every day is a never-ending feast of meats, rich side dishes, and towering cookie trays. While these foods are undeniably delicious, they can eventually take a toll on your body and overall well-being. To combat the weight gain and lethargy that often accompany the holiday season, you must pack your fridge with nutritious foods.

Some fantastic foods to keep stocked in your fridge to stay healthy this holiday season include produce items such as pre-cut raw veggies, baby spinach, and salad mixes. Apples, hummus, and cottage cheese are all versatile, ready-to-eat, and healthy snacks. Egg whites and non-dairy milk can help reduce your cholesterol intake, while sparkling water and iced tea are great non-alcoholic alternatives to holiday cocktails.

There is never a shortage of delicious food options during the holidays. Healthy foods, however, are often much harder to find during this festive and indulgent time of year. If you are determined to stay healthy through all the feasts and celebrations, then this article is for you. Below is a list of great foods to keep stocked in your fridge to keep you healthy and fit this holiday season.

14 Items To Keep In Your Fridge This Holiday Season To Stay Healthy

1. Pre-Cut Fresh Veggies

With so many buttery and decadent menu items served during the holidays, it's essential to include fresh and fiber-rich foods to balance things out. Fresh vegetables are fantastic snacks for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holidays.

Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and others are all rich in vitamins and fiber, and low in calories. Ensure your vegetables are washed and pre-cut, as this makes them easier to eat right away.

2. Baby Spinach And Spring Mix

Eating salad every day is one of the best ways to ensure you have your recommended daily intake of fiber and vegetables. Keep in mind that not all salads are equally healthy. If you use iceberg lettuce, be aware that it is mostly water and contains few nutrients. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich greens like spring mix and baby spinach. These small greens are rich in fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that help you stay fit and energized.

3. Hummus

Hummus is always a great item to keep in your fridge. It is a quick, easy, and healthy snack that you can dip fresh veggies in. Hummus and vegetables are a much healthier alternative to chips and dip.

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are high in protein and fiber. This spread is also filling, which means you don’t need more than a few tablespoons to feel satisfied. You can even use hummus as a healthy alternative to condiments like mayonnaise, which can help keep your cholesterol down during this unhealthy time of year.

4. Non-Dairy Milk

Non-dairy milk is easy to find, and it’s also more affordable than ever. You can choose from many types of non-dairy milk this holiday season. Use the milk substitute of your choice in place of fatty whole milk in everything from your morning cereal and coffee to hot cocoa and other holiday indulgences. Making this substitution is a great way to decrease your dairy and saturated fat intake, without sacrificing much flavor.

5. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has become a staple in many refrigerators worldwide. Not only does this yogurt have a creamy and custardy texture that is preferred to nearly any other type of yogurt, but it’s also relatively healthy.

Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which help maintain healthy digestion, a task that can sometimes be challenging during the holidays. This yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which is an added benefit. Consider low-fat and non-fat Greek yogurt when trying to stay fit this holiday season.

6. Egg Whites Or Low-Cholesterol Egg Alternative

Eggs are another great source of protein. While whole eggs are considered healthy in moderation, the yolk contains high levels of fat and cholesterol. This winter, consider switching to egg whites or a cholesterol-free egg substitute for a more nutritious option. 

Making this switch can help you lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your caloric intake. If you are someone who starts the day with scrambled eggs or an omelet, then this switch can work wonders for your health during the holidays.

7. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese, especially lower-fat varieties, is a great item to keep stocked in the fridge in the winter. Not only is the food high in protein, but it also contains a wealth of other essential nutrients, including B vitamins and calcium.

Cottage cheese also has a creamy and indulgent taste, which can enhance your healthy salads without adding much fat or empty calories.

8. Apples

Apples are a fantastic food to keep around during the holidays. They are in season in the fall and winter, which usually means they are extra delicious and cheap during the holidays. This is also a fruit that stays fresh for a long time.

One apple contains approximately 100 calories, making it a low-calorie and filling snack. Apples are also the perfect item to carry around with you. The holidays can be stressful and busy, so it’s always nice to stock your fridge with healthy foods that you can grab quickly and eat on the go whenever you need them.

9. Turkey And Chicken Breast

After Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you’ll have leftover turkey. Consider freezing large quantities of this lean meat and defrosting it gradually over time throughout the winter. Turkey and chicken breast are excellent lean protein options, especially when prepared by baking or grilling.

Keeping these two lean poultry items on hand allows you quick access to a healthy meat option to add to a salad or use in a sandwich. These are much healthier alternatives to ham and red meat, which tend to dominate the holidays and have a significantly higher cholesterol content.

10. Kombucha

Probiotics are crucial during the holidays, as they help keep your immune system strong while you travel and have long festive evenings with minimal sleep. They also combat the overconsumption that comes with this season and help you maintain a healthy gut. Kombucha is a delicious and fantastic way to consume probiotics.

You can make your own festive kombucha using fresh cranberries, ginger, and other seasonal ingredients, or buy it from your local health food store. Having kombucha the day after an indulgent holiday party is a great way to reset your gut.

11. Fresh Citrus 

The holidays often coincide with peak cold and flu season. They also involve parties that stretch on long into the night. To keep your immune system strong, you should stock your fridge with foods rich in vitamin C. 

Fresh citrus is one of the best ways to consume vitamin C naturally. Oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit are also low in calories and can help lower your cholesterol. Consider using citrus juice on salad, as it is much healthier than oily dressings.

12. Sparkling Water

Alcohol consumption is often heightened during the holidays. There are many festive winter cocktails served at various gatherings, and all this alcohol can take a toll on your body. Keeping sparkling water in your fridge allows you to easily make a mocktail instead of something with alcohol. 

Sparkling water has no calories and is a great way to stay hydrated. You can also add various fruit juices and garnishes to make non-alcoholic drinks with sparkling water, so you don’t feel left out when those around you are drinking alcohol.

13. Whole-Grain Wraps

The holiday season is as much about enjoying leftovers as it is about attending parties. Instead of choosing unhealthy ways to eat holiday leftovers, use whole-grain wraps to make healthy lunches.

Whole-grain wraps are healthy, and all you need to do is add a protein, veggies, and some sort of flavorful spread, and you have a delicious meal. One wrap has far fewer calories than two slices of bread, and they can last several weeks in the fridge when properly stored.

14. Homemade Iced Tea (Unsweetened)

Iced tea is another great non-alcoholic beverage you can keep stocked in your fridge this winter. Freshly brewed iced tea has few to no calories and contains antioxidants that support your health in the winter. 

You can switch up the type of tea you make, so it’s always interesting. Green, black, and herbal teas all offer health benefits and serve as a refreshing alternative to water.

Summing Up Health Items You Should Keep In The Fridge This Holiday Season

Staying fit during the holiday season isn’t easy, but keeping the right items in your fridge this winter can make it much easier. Some of the top foods to keep stocked in your fridge this holiday season to stay healthy include fresh vegetables and salad mixes, hummus, lean poultry, and non-dairy milk. 

Greek yogurt and kombucha are excellent sources of probiotics, while cottage cheese and egg whites are low-calorie options for getting protein. Sparkling water and unsweetened iced tea are great non-alcoholic and calorie-free alternatives to holiday cocktails.

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