Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays are here, and with them come festive gatherings, family meals and treats at every turn! In this special holiday edition, Dr. Falquier helps you navigate the holiday season with tips for staying on track with your health goals while still enjoying the season’s flavors and celebrations. Plus, she shares a delicious, festive recipe that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients to keep you feeling good throughout the holidays (written recipe in show notes).In this episode you’ll hear:1:50 - What to put on your plate2:20 – Managing alcohol consumption & keeping hydrated3:25 – Pillars of lifestyle medicine5:50 – Self-care6:25 – Recipe: Roasted vegetables with a green sauce & festive topping  As referenced in the episode:  Alternative Food Network Newsletter Sign-UpRoasted Vegetables with Green Sauce RecipeRecipe by: Sabrina A. Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLMPhysician, Professor, Culinary Instructor, Speaker, Consultant, Podcast HostCulinary Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Internal MedicineFounder & Owner, Sensations Salud®Yield: 4 cups roasted vegetables, and 1 cup green sauceServings: 4, Portion: 1 cup Vegetables and 1-4 Tbsp green sauceIngredients: For Roasted Vegetables•  4 cups roughly chopped vegetables of your choice. These are examples, yet choices are endless.   •  brussel sprouts: cut off tough end and cut in half   •  bell peppers: cut into chosen pieces; discard pith and seeds   •  cauliflower: cut into 1/2 inch slices - OK if you have small pieces and larger pieces and even crumbs   •  carrots: cut on diagonal about 1/2 inch slices   •  tomatoes: cut in half if large and put flat side down, if cherry - leave whole   •  purple cabbage: cut off tough end only and slice roughly 1/2 inch slices   •  onions: any color, stem and root end removed, quartered and peeled   •  summer and winter squash, peeled if needed and 1/2 inch slices•  1/4 - 1/2 tsp Kosher salt•  1/4 tsp pepper•  1 - 2 tsp Olive OilFor Green Sauce:•  4 pressed cups washed greens and hard stems/veins removed (cilantro, kale, parsley, spinach, arugula as examples.•  3/4 cup olive oil•  2 tsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemon)•  2 Tbsp lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)•  1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar•  1/4 - 1/2 tsp Kosher saltFor topping (optional)•  1/2 cup Pomegranate seedsMethod:Heat oven to 425FPlace all vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle vegetables with measured Olive Oil and rub with hands to make sure well coated. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.  For roasting: Place vegetables on baking sheets lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, single layer Roast for 10 minutes, and then set timer at 5-minute intervals until desired doneness (goal is some brown bits/caramelization, and heartier vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, winter squash and brussel sprouts to be fork tender on inside.) Roast times will vary depending on vegetable.Optional to flip vegetables at 5-minute interval.For green sauce:In food processor or blender - place your chosen greens, 3/4 cups olive oil, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp salt.Pulse to desired consistency from textured to smooth. Taste and adjust by adding additional lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar or salt (1/8 tsp at a time).For plating: Choose your serving platter.Place vegetables in attractive manner on platter - warm or room temperature.Top with dollops of green sauce.Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds (if using). ENJOY!notes:Vegetables can be eaten cold, room temperature or warm.Double or triple green sauce recipe and freeze, for up to 3 months, in small containers or freezer trays, to easily thaw for later use.Store in airtight container in fridge up to 7 days.More Resources:  Episode 4, Healthy Eating Plate: Your Guide to Balanced Meals  Episode 7, Why It’s Important for Your Body to be Hydrated  Episode 19, Lifestyle Medicine for a Healthier You  Credits:Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLMSound and Editing - Will CrannExecutive Producer - Esther Garfin©2024 Alternative Food Network Inc.  Dr. Sabrina Falquier is a board-certified physician and a leader in Culinary Medicine. She specializes in bridging the gap between scientific evidence and the actual food on your plate, empowering listeners to use the kitchen as a place of wellness and healing.Show Topics Include: Nutrition, Food as Medicine, Health and Wellness Podcasting, Microbiome, Metabolism, Weight loss, Gut health, Healthy recipes, Health, Inflammation, Longevity, Blood sugar, Protein, Magnesium, Sleep quality, Immunity, Hormone balance, Sunday meal prep, Medically tailored meals (MTM), Produce Prescription (PRx), Prevention, Teaching kitchen, Health equity, Evidence-based nutrition, food podcast insights