8 Ways to a Healthier Hanukah

Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukah is a Jewish celebration steeped in tradition. During this annual eight-day event, families light the candles of the Menorah and enjoy symbolic foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Did you know many options exist to replace ingredients in these foods with lower fat and sugar alternatives without sacrificing flavor? Try some of the suggestions below at your holiday meal.

1. Cut the fat. Try reduced-fat cream cheese for making rugalach and low-fat cottage cheese for filling blintzes (crepes). Use reduced-fat sour cream or cinnamon applesauce for topping latkes and choose skim milk for making donut batter. When making mandelbrot (the Jewish equivalent of biscotti), substitute two egg whites for each whole egg and stir in chopped dried fruit instead of nuts or chocolate.

2. Limit sugar. Instead of filling donuts with jelly (with approximately 12 grams of sugar per tablespoon), substitute a reduced sugar or a sugar-free jelly option. You’ll add fruit flavor without all the extra sugar.

3. Liven up latkes. Add shredded carrots to latkes (pre-shredded carrots work well). Or, use a combination of half shredded sweet potatoes and half shredded white potatoes.

4. Use less oil. Use a nonstick skillet and reduce the amount of oil used for frying blintzes and latkes. Instead of filling the pan with ¼ inch of oil, simply brush the pan with oil so you’re using just enough to keep the crepes and pancakes from sticking. Or, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray, available in regular and olive oil varieties.

5. Bake instead of deep fry. Make baked donuts. They’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without adding the oil of deep frying. Then, simply brush the baked donuts lightly with oil and dust with sugar.

6. Pay attention to portion size. Build in portion control by making traditional favorites in smaller sizes. Make mini-latkes and mini-donuts.

7. Avoid an empty stomach. Instead of “saving room” for holiday foods by skipping a meal, make sure to enjoy a light, balanced meal before the celebration. That way, you won’t be so hungry that you’re tempted to overindulge.

8. Focus on family. Remember that spending time celebrating and honoring traditions with family is the most important part of Hanukah. Instead of focusing too much on the food, take time to play games, sing songs and discuss the symbolism of lighting the candles of the Menorah.