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Start a new healthy holiday tradition with soy foods

December 3rd, 2009

(PhysOrg.com) -- A Michigan State University Extension dietitian says there are many ways to enjoy the holidays this year without adding extra calories to your diet.

“With the celebratory feel of the holidays, it is easy for people to overindulge. Everyone is excited and eager to share some of their holiday favorites, which are often higher in fat and calories,” said Gretchen Hofing, Michigan State University Extension soy foods health educator and a registered dietitian based in Lenawee County. “There are multiple ways to improve your nutrition and help ease your mind about extra fat and calories during the holiday season.”

Use reduced-fat versions of dairy products, like lower fat milk for hot chocolate and eggnog; or try reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream for baking and appetizers. Fruits can be a prominent part of desserts, and vegetables easily lend themselves to appetizers. Take a closer look at your table and personal plate and make sure it’s festive with plenty of color from fruits and vegetables.

“You can also easily add soy foods to your holiday menu lineup to help with lowering the fat and cholesterol,” Hofing said.

Soy foods are plant-based and contain no cholesterol. Soy protein has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart disease when 25 grams a day are consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

With the use of soy foods, you can immediately see the health benefits. Here are just a few examples. Substituting 8 ounces of reduced-fat soymilk for 8 ounces of 2 percent cow’s milk saves you 3 grams of fat, 18 milligrams of cholesterol and 20 calories. Using one-quarter cup of light silken tofu in place of one egg eliminates 4.5 grams of fat, 213 milligrams of cholesterol and 53 calories. The remaining silken tofu can be used in place of cream cheese and sour cream in dips and spreads, eliminating even more cholesterol and fat from your diet.

Purchasing and consuming soy foods are a great way to support your health and Michigan agriculture. The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee represents the soybean producers in the state and funds soybean research and educational efforts. For more information on the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, visit www.michigansoybean.org .

Provided by Michigan State University

Citation: Start a new healthy holiday tradition with soy foods (2009, December 3) retrieved 21 August 2026 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/21321912/start-a-new-healthy-holiday-tradition-with-soy-foods.html

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