The Christmas season is in full swing!  I love this time of year with Christmas lights twinkling all over town and the delicious treats that are shared.  This year, I hope you take time to enjoy the special Christmas desserts and goodies without going overboard on the calories.  Check out these tips for reducing the calories in your favorite Christmas recipes.

• Try to reduce the fat in your favorite recipes by ¼ to 1/3. Try using unsweetened applesauce, low-fat yogurt, or prune puree in place of the fat in your favorite recipe.
• You can also experiment by reducing the sugar by ¼ to 1/3 in your favorite baked products. Keep the sweetness by adding cinnamon and vanilla.
• Cut the sodium in recipes by experimenting with herbs, spices, or even citrus zest to your food. Roasting also helps to bring out the full flavor of your favorite vegetables.

Be sure to visit healthlyliving.tamu.edu for healthy recipe ideas.  I hope your holiday is filled with family and friends…and healthy Christmas treats!