Healthy Foods for the Holidays

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, 21 percent of cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented if people maintained a healthy weight. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that Americans actually do pack on the pounds during the holidays. But don't lose hope – We have some tips to avoid weight gain this holiday season. 

Weight gain doesn't just slow you down; it also makes it harder for your body to stay healthy enough to fight off disease. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of 11 different cancers. And if you think waiting until after the holidays to shed the weight you're planning on gaining is a good idea, you may want to think again. "Although up to half of holiday weight gain is lost shortly after the holidays, half the weight gain appears to remain until the summer months or beyond" (the New England Journal of Medicine).

So what can you do to make your holidays healthier without sacrificing flavor? Don't skip out on your exercise routine, limit consumption of sweets and alcohol, and incorporate some (or all!) of the foods listed below. Not only can each of the following foods keep your waistline fit and trim, but they also contain cancer-fighting properties and are currently in-season in Arkansas. Click "Recipe" next to each food below for a healthy holiday recipe. 

Beans (Green, Snap): Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Broccoli: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Cabbage: Chicken Baked with Cabbage & Leek Recipe

Carrots: Carrot Soup with Orange & Ginger Recipe

Chard: Lemon-Garlic Rainbow Chard Recipe

Kale: Pasta Shells with Garlicky Kale Recipe

Parsnips: Honey-Roasted Parsnips Recipe

Pears: Pear Crisp Recipe

Spinach: Spinach & Clementine Salad Recipe

Sweet Potatoes: Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries Recipe 

Winter Squash: Pumpkin Cider Bread Recipe