Weight Management Weight Loss Healthy Holiday Foods That Are Good for Your Diet By Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 12, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD Medically reviewed by Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD LinkedIn Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and nationally-recognized food and nutrition expert, regularly featured in major media outlets. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print 1 Holidays Foods Don't Have to Ruin Your Diet John E. Kelly / Getty Images Much of the fare at your next holiday party is going to be high in calories, fat, sugar and sodium, but you can also find some foods that are good for you. It's okay to indulge in a few decadent foods. Try balancing it out with some more nutrient-rich options, too. Here's a look at some foods you might find at the holiday table that are delicious and full of good nutrition. 2 Turkey Grace Clementine / Getty Images Turkey is a good source of lean protein, zinc, iron, potassium and B vitamins. To keep turkey as lean as possible, avoid adding extra fat and sodium by only using a small amount of gravy and avoiding the skin. 3 Green Beans Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Green beans contain fiber and vitamins. They're delicious all on their own -- think of green beans almondine or simple steamed green beans rather than the ubiquitous high-calorie, high-sodium green bean casserole. 4 Sweet Potatoes Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and related antioxidants, plus they're a great source of fiber. Keep them lower in calories by choosing baked or simple mashed sweet potatoes, rather than the over-indulgent sweet potato pie. 5 Nuts Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are full of minerals, protein, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts on a salad or side dish or nibble on a few as an appetizer. Enjoy the pecan pie in small portions, as it is full of sugar and fat. 6 Cranberries Kathleen Finlay / Getty Images Cranberries are tasty, but tart. They're an excellent source of vitamins and fiber. They're a good addition to vegetable side dishes. Cranberry juice makes a nice beverage when you combine it with something sweeter like grape or apple juice. 7 Fruits for Dessert beyhan yazar / Getty Images Sliced fruit goes nicely with a bit of cheese and crackers for starters. Fresh fruit also makes for a nice dessert, or you can go a little more upscale and enjoy poached pears or raisin-stuffed apples. 8 Water Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Your body needs to stay hydrated, especially if you dine on a bit too much salty ham or enjoy too many adult beverages. Drink water throughout the party and when you get home. 9 Whole Grain Bread Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Whole grain bread is a better source of fiber than anything made with refined white flour. Choose 100-percent whole grain bread and dinner rolls whenever possible for the most fiber. 10 Cruciferous Vegetables Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are all low in calories, extremely nutritious, and they taste superb. Fill your plate with any of these veggies if you have the chance. 11 Berries (and Yogurt) Carin Krasner / Getty Images Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are sweet and nutritious. Parfaits made with yogurt and berries with a sprinkling of chopped nuts make for a healthful and delicious dessert. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 0 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search.