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Have a Healthier Hanukkah

Each winter, people of the Jewish faith around the world celebrate Hanukkah. Also spelled “Chanukah,” Hanukkah is known to many as the “Festival of Lights,” stemming from the ancient story of a small, one-day supply of oil lighting the Menorah for eight days at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Today’s Hanukkah festivities include the nightly lighting of a menorah, special prayers, gift giving, and traditional foods.

As a nod to the miraculous oil, foods fried in oil are common, including delicious latkes (crispy potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (fresh jelly doughnuts). The main course is traditionally brisket. You’ll find no shortage of tender and meaty beef brisket recipes, some of which are much fattier than others depending on the cut of beef. Notably, the flat of the brisket tends to be the leaner part. In addition to choosing leaner meat, remember portion control with any high-fat foods or deep-fried dishes.

Also, consider adding some healthier dishes like a quinoa salad, green beans with caramelized red onions, or perhaps tzimmes, which is a sweet stew of root vegetables like carrots and yams along with dried fruits like prunes and raisins. People often serve tzimmes (or tsimmes) for Rosh Hashanah, but the vitamin-rich dish could also be a nutritious addition to your Hanukkah meal planning. For example, consider swapping out the breaded chicken Schnitzel for a healthier, low-calorie chicken tzimmes recipe. A few simple swaps could help you enjoy a festive feast that also supports your health.

We hope our quick tips help you healthfully enjoy your favorite Hanukkah traditions. Snap a photo of your festive dishes and share them with us on Twitter or Facebook. Together we celebrate eating well, living long, and traveling far!