Low-Fat Alternatives to Standard Holiday Fare

10 Low-Fat Alternatives to Standard Holiday Fare

Try these lower-fat and lower-calorie substitutions for some of your favorite holiday treats, and make the healthiest choices at holiday parties this year.

Instead of: 2 homemade cut-out sugar cookies (1 ounce); 132 calories, 6 grams fat
Try: 1 fat free brownie (2 ounces); 110 calories, 0 grams fat

Instead of: Triscuit with 1/2 ounce Brie cheese; 68 calories, 4.5 grams fat
Try: 2 reduced-fat Triscuits; 32 calories, 0.75 grams fat

Instead of: 1 cup of eggnog with 1 ounce rum; 406 calories, 18 grams fat
Try: 6-ounce glass of white wine; 120 calories, 0 grams fat

Instead of: 1 ounce cocktail meatballs; 81 calories, 3.5 grams fat
Try: 1 ounce boiled shrimp; 28 calories, 0.3 grams fat

Instead of: 1.5-ounce (small) slice of fruitcake; 165 calories, 7 grams fat
Try: 1.5 ounces (one small handful) dried apricots; 100 calories, 0 grams fat

Instead of: 3 ounces lean roasted ham; 133 calories, 4.5 grams fat
Try: 3 ounces roast turkey breast (no skin); 114 calories, 0.6 grams fat

Instead of: 1 generous cup stuffing; 359 calories, 17 grams fat
Try: 1 large square cornbread; 250 calories, 1 gram fat

Instead of: 1 handful (1/2 cup) mixed nuts; 438 calories, 40 grams fat
Try: 1 handful (1/2 cup) Chex party mix; 90 calories, 3.5 grams fat

Instead of: 1 slice homemade apple pie; 411 calories, 19 grams fat
Try: 1 baked apple with brown sugar and pat of butter; 152 calories, 4.5 grams fat

Instead of: 1 slice homemade pumpkin bread; 198 calories, 7.7 grams fat
Try: 1 whole wheat dinner roll; 74 calories, 1.2 grams fat

And if you find you just can't give up that special treat, you can still make it lower-calorie just by having a smaller portion. Instead of a whole cup of eggnog, go for half and sip it slowly. Enjoy the stuffing, just not so much of it -- and focus on the fun of celebrating with family and friends.