Christmas and New Year celebrations in Argentina always have several factors in common: family, meetings, gifts and, without a doubt, food. These are dates where several gastronomic classics of that season are present (and with them, some excesses).
The tables are filled with foods with a high calorie content: Russian salad, vitel toné, piononos, sweet bread, nougat and alcoholic drinks are part of the traditional Christmas and New Year menu. ButHow can we choose healthier variants when putting together the menu?
Maria Victoria Guaglianonenutritionist and Gourmet Chef Division Manager (MP 9240), in charge of putting together the company’s menus, mentioned some options so that the Holidays and their typical dishes do not become enemies of health.
Healthier options for the traditional menu
In order to be able to eat the traditional dishes of the Holidays, both in the appetizer and main dish, dessert and toast, in a healthier way, Guaglianone made a series of recommendations where, among other things, some ingredients that provide us with freshness and flavor are replaced. sometimes low in calories such as grated carrot, thinly sliced tomato, roasted peppers, avocado. And add lean proteins such as shredded chicken, natural tuna or chopped egg, thus avoiding processed sausages such as ham.
He salty piononois one of the favorite entries par excellence in this type of celebrations. Quick and easy to make, it is eaten cold and loved by adults and children alike. The nutritionist explains that “the ideal is for the fillings to contain fresh vegetables such as spinach, carrots or avocado, and lean proteins such as chicken or ricotta, thus avoiding processed sausages such as ham.”
Russian salada must on the table of all Argentines, popular for the simplicity of the recipe, this preparation with some subtle changes can be much healthier. The expert explains that it is recommended to “replace the mayonnaise with a homemade dressing based on yogurt or low-fat cream cheese and flavor it with garlic, basil, green onion that enhance the flavor and add a pinch of turmeric that provides color, antioxidants and many other benefits. So that the potato is not the main ingredient, you can add carrots and peas.”
He Vitel tone It is undoubtedly the star of Christmas and New Year, the dish that everyone looks forward to, but it is still a calorie bomb due to the ingredients it contains. However, the specialist gives the following tips: “Prepare a light sauce with cheese cream, lemon juice, natural tuna instead of oil, add the capers only to decorate, this way we avoid excess salt in the preparation.”
When it comes to the main course, generally roasted meats are the favorite option accompanied by some garnish. The nutrition expert recommends fresh salads while adding: “It is ideal to combine ingredients such as green leaves (arugula, spinach, lettuce) with fresh vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers. For those who prefer more complete salads, you can add slices of cheese and egg, which provides protein and greater satiety. Plus, a touch of sesame, chia or sunflower seeds adds crunchy texture and nutritional value. For the more daring, incorporating fruits such as apple, pear or pomegranate provides extra freshness and a contribution of antioxidants.”
Sweet time arrives and just like the entrance, the pionono takes center stage again, in this case Guaglianone recommends “opting for sugar-free jams or fresh fruits, in order to avoid excessive consumption of sugars.”
The toast is the most special moment, where we all hug each other and make our wishes. Clink glasses, look into each other’s eyes and enjoy as a family. As for the recommended drink, the nutritionist explains that, drinking in moderation and alternating with water to hydrate the body, both champagne and cider are good options. And he adds: “The champagne It has less sugar, it is recommended that it be Brut or Extra Brut. On the contrary, the cider It has a greater amount of sugars, but it compensates with a lower alcohol content, opt for one that is dry and there are light versions.”
When accompanying the toast, a healthy option, in the right measure, is dried fruits. Guaglianone explains that “a small handful of walnuts and almonds “They provide omega-3 and vitamin E.”
Another pleasure that we give ourselves on this date is the sweet breadalthough not all are equal and there are some healthier than others. The nutritionist advises “choosing those that have nuts and dark chocolate instead of polished fruits.” The same happens with the nougats“you should opt for the almond one, which is richer in healthy fats and fiber, compared to the peanut one,” concludes Guaglianone.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
