{"id":3785,"date":"2017-11-27T19:21:02","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T19:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/?p=3785"},"modified":"2017-11-27T19:21:02","modified_gmt":"2017-11-27T19:21:02","slug":"healthy-hosting-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/healthy-hosting-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Hosting for the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3788\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/HealthyHolidayHosting-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/HealthyHolidayHosting-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/HealthyHolidayHosting-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/HealthyHolidayHosting-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>The holidays are always a fun time to enjoy good company and all the blessings of the season. It\u2019s also a difficult time to maintain healthy eating habits. This year do yourself, and your guests, a favour; entertain with a healthier twist to your menu.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Drinks<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nWhen offering your guests a festive drink, provide a low calorie alternative that\u2019s still tasty and refreshing. We found plenty of recipes sure to please at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/recipes\/19842\/holidays-occasions\/christmas\/drinks\/\" target=\"_blank\">eatingwell.com<\/a>. But if you\u2019re planning on a punch; this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatrightontario.ca\/en\/Recipes\/Beverages\/Holiday-Punch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Holiday Fruit Punch<\/a> from Eat Right Ontario certainly fits the bill!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3787\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3787\" class=\"wp-image-3787\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Holiday-fruit-punch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Holiday-fruit-punch.jpg 830w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Holiday-fruit-punch-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Holiday-fruit-punch-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Holiday-fruit-punch-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3787\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatrightontario.ca\/en\/Recipes\/Beverages\/Holiday-Punch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">holiday fruit punch<\/a> has fewer calories and less sugar<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Appetizers<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nThe nice thing about appetizers is that you can offer a variety to appeal to guests with different tastes. Along with the staple veggies and dip, you can offer some exciting hors d\u2019oeuvres that still make for a healthy alternative. This dressed to impress <a href=\"https:\/\/cafedelites.com\/caprese-salad-christmas-wreath\/\" target=\"_blank\">Caprese Salad Christmas Wreath<\/a> will certainly crown you as the hostess with the mostess!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3795\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3795\" class=\"wp-image-3795\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Caprese-Salad-Christmas-Wreath-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Caprese-Salad-Christmas-Wreath-1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Caprese-Salad-Christmas-Wreath-1-1-274x300.jpg 274w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Caprese-Salad-Christmas-Wreath-1-1-768x842.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3795\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/cafedelites.com\/caprese-salad-christmas-wreath\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cafe Delites<\/a> for this tasty holiday recipe.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Enjoy the classics? There\u2019s something effortlessly elegant about opening a dinner party with delicious Smoked Salmon Canap\u00e9s. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/food\/smoked-salmon-canaps-recipe-2\" target=\"_blank\">simple recipe<\/a> from Readers Digest will have your guests reaching for more than just one or you can get really creative and make them with a cucumber twist.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3801\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3801\" class=\"wp-image-3801\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Smoked-Salmon-Canapes_Health.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Smoked-Salmon-Canapes_Health.jpg 800w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Smoked-Salmon-Canapes_Health-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Smoked-Salmon-Canapes_Health-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3801\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thanks to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.com\/recipes\/smoked-salmon-canapes\" target=\"_blank\">Health<\/a> Magazine and Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Anna Hampton, Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>The Main Course<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nDinner is ready! Time to present the roasted to perfection turkey, a favourite holiday delight. You can carve on and let the feast continue, without compromising your willpower, because turkey is a healthy option! The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadianprotein.com\/lifestyle\/6-health-benefits-of-turkey-5507\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Protein<\/a> fills in the healthy benefits and dietary details.<\/p>\n<p>With the main dish under control, it\u2019s time to focus on the sides. From sweet potato casseroles to savoury stuffings, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cookinglight.com\/entertaining\/holidays-occasions\/healthy-holiday-side-dish-recipes\" target=\"_blank\">Cooking Light<\/a> offers a marvellous selection of healthy holiday sides. One platter in particular should be an excellent companion to compliment your seasonal entree. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mydarlingvegan.com\/2016\/10\/maple-balsamic-brussels-sprouts-with-hazelnuts-and-rosemary\" target=\"_blank\">Balsamic Brussels Sprouts <\/a>with hazelnuts and rosemary is the perfect vegetable side dish, and is vegan friendly. It&#8217;s quick to throw together and celebrates the flavours of harvest season with the nuts, herbs and spices.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3805\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"Delicious balsamic brussel sprouts are vegan friendly.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3805\" class=\"wp-image-3805\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/balsamic-brussel-sprouts-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/balsamic-brussel-sprouts-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/balsamic-brussel-sprouts-1-271x300.jpg 271w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/balsamic-brussel-sprouts-1-768x851.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3805\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Delicious balsamic Brussels Sprouts are vegan friendly.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Just Desserts<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nIt just isn\u2019t a holiday celebration without dessert! Having healthy alternatives will be greatly appreciated by guests who have been giving up on sweets. Starting off with <a href=\"https:\/\/greatist.com\/health\/healthier-holiday-cookies\" target=\"_blank\">47 healthy Christmas cookies<\/a> that you can make for everyone on your holiday list!<br \/>\nSay yes to that piece of pumpkin pie with this light and luscious recipe from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/recipe\/259602\/pumpkin-maple-pie\/\" target=\"_blank\">Eating Well, <\/a>sure to be a hit without derailing your meal plan.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3802\" style=\"width: 644px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3802\" class=\"wp-image-3802\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/PumpkinPie_EatingWell.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"634\" height=\"634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/PumpkinPie_EatingWell.jpg 960w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/PumpkinPie_EatingWell-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/PumpkinPie_EatingWell-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/PumpkinPie_EatingWell-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3802\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Delicious Pumpkin Pie for dessert.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Or, how about a remake of the time honoured <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodfood.com.au\/archived\/pete-evanss-healthy-christmas-pudding-20131209-2z0kd\" target=\"_blank\">Christmas Pudding<\/a>? A raw pudding, which can be thrown together and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. Your waistline will appreciate the absence of wheat, gluten, refined sugar, dairy and grains.<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to wait until January to start your New Year\u2019s Resolutions; you can get a head start before the holiday rush. Here are 10 tips for a delicious and healthy holiday season from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatrightontario.ca\/en\/Articles\/Holidays-Celebrations\/10-tips-for-a-delicious-and-healthy-holiday-season.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Eat Right Ontario<\/a>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3806 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/funinthesnow-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/funinthesnow-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/funinthesnow-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/funinthesnow-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holidays are always a fun time to enjoy good company and all the blessings of the season. It\u2019s also a difficult time to maintain healthy eating habits. This year do yourself, and your guests, a favour; entertain with a healthier twist to your menu. <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/healthy-hosting-holidays\/\">READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3788,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[90,7,10,32],"tags":[231,525,689,690,692,691,133,576],"class_list":["post-3785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertaining","category-indoor-living","category-lifestyle","category-recipes","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-recipe","tag-healthy-hosting","tag-healthy-recipes","tag-holiday-entertaining","tag-holiday-tips","tag-holidays","tag-recipes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3785"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3807,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785\/revisions\/3807"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}