The Christmas season is the time of year for enjoying those treats that come around only once a year and as we likely get set to enjoy those without the company of friends and family, a University of Illinois Extension nutrition educator says this is a good year to try to find some healthy alternatives to some of those ingredients.

Caitlin Mellendorf with the University of Illinois Extension indicates sweet treats like cakes or muffins offer an opportunity to swap out some traditional ingredients and add a hint of healthy flavor.

For health-conscious eaters, Mellendorf says the idea of 'mindful eating' is becoming more popular. The theory is to let your body talk to you about your hunger habits and waiting to eat until you are hungry.

'Mindful eating' may sound unconventional even ridiculous, Mellendorf says it is a good practice to slow the amount of food you consume and enjoy it more.

Mellendorf provides healthy recipes at go.illinois.edu/healtheatsrepeat. We'll hear more from her on Regional Radio News still this month on healthy habits for the holidays.