Healthy Noche Buena

For many of us, the Christmas season is a time to eat, drink, and be merry—with a lot of emphasis on EAT. There are, however, more and more people who choose to practice moderation and continue to maintain their healthier lifestyle during Christmas. With a little bit of thought and adjustment, the Noche Buena feast can accommodate both styles of eating. These are recipes that retain the festive flavors of Christmas, but with less fat and sugar, and more fiber. Instead of baked ham, a large chicken is marinated overnight in a brining solution to give it that same “ham-like” flavor. Pair it with roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice to get in your daily recommended serving of complex carbohydrates. Everyone’s favorite fruit salad is lightened up by replacing cream and condensed milk with a syrup made of citrus juice, and fresh fruits are a better choice than canned fruits soaking in a heavy sugar [...]