St. Ignatius Seniors: Tips for healthy holiday eating

Foods that are high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat can exacerbate heart failure, diabetes and hypertension. Swapping these foods with healthier food choices can protect one’s health while keeping with holiday traditions.

For example: Substitute cream and butter in mashed potatoes with low-fat Greek yogurt, skim milk or a splash of olive oil. Roasting potatoes, sweet potatoes and vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor. Instead of high sodium broths, use low sodium or no-salt broths. Use dried or fresh herbs and garlic instead of salt.

Skipping meals to save room for the big holiday meal may make you hungrier, cause you to overeat and wreak havoc with your blood sugar.

Plan your carb choices in advance. For example, if you plan to eat a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs such as potatoes, breads or pasta dishes.

You can still enjoy your holiday favorites with moderation. Focus on dishes you love a lot that you cannot get at any other time of the year. If there are too many holiday treats for one meal, bring a container to take home a favorite treat for later.

The next bingo game is 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. If you want a take-out meal, please call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday and by 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday; lunch is served at noon Tuesday and Friday and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the entryway.

Main dishes for the upcoming week include tuna sandwiches, Friday, Nov. 13; tater-tot casserole, Tuesday, Nov. 17; turkey with potatoes and gravy, Wednesday, Nov. 18; and turkey noodle soup, Friday, Nov. 20.  

Our senior center is available for rent; call for information. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.

Gentle yoga is 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and costs $5 per week. Bring your own mat.