What’s your approach to holiday feasting?

We’re all typically a pretty healthy, foodie bunch here at CBD, but the annual indulgence onslaught has arrived … replete with home- made eggnog and hot chocolate. Which got us talking about holiday feasting and wondering how our friends and associates plan to handle that delicate balance between moderation – and excess.

So, we did a quick survey and sent it to a few hundred folks. It revealed some interesting points of view:

- 89% of those responding plan to cook from scratch for major holiday meals, rather than resort to take-out, packaged or ready- to- eat items.

- When asked whether there will be any attempt to alter favorite recipes to be “healthier” (lower fat, lower salt, less sugar, etc.) a full 50% were a resounding “no”; 22% a “maybe.” What were the rest of us going to do? Use real sweet potatoes and green beans instead of canned; substitute stock for cream; home-made instead of canned apple and cranberry sauce; less butter; organic milk; sea salt instead of regular and make more vegetarian options.

- “Green living” isn’t much of a concern during the holidays, whether recycling gift wrap, not using gift wrap, cutting back on lights, using low energy decorations, mulching a tree or buying one that is sustainably farmed.

-Desserts and cookies were the most noted “guilty” indulgences; followed closely by candy, dinner rolls and stuffing. Eggnog also made the list, as did someone’s annual holiday tequila bash.

Turns out our friends are a resolution-making bunch regarding eating and drinking in the New Year. People vowed to: cook more rather than eat out; buy organic for the “important” foods (especially meats); eat more natural raw foods and stay away from processed; no more soda; no more rice; more fiber, take vitamins; consume less sugar; eat more whole foods; shop at places I can trust, like farmer’s markets and butchers.

What’s your approach to holiday feasting? Do you think much about wining and dining, or do you throw caution to the wind? And – any New Year’s resolutions?

By the way, I’m totally happy to share this eggnog recipe, with a credit and big thanks to Martha Stewart!