Christmas in the low-calorie version, that's how to avoid overeating during the holidays

While Christmas Eve tables feature a diverse array of soups, the clear beetroot borscht with delicate dumplings remains the undisputed favorite. Yet beneath its seemingly light composition lies a hidden dietary challenge: the traditional dumplings—filled with rich, fatty stuffing and made from wheat flour—can significantly increase the dish’s caloric content while complicating digestion. An additional dollop of sour cream only exacerbates the issue, adding unnecessary calories and straining the digestive system. How, then, can one enjoy this dish without consequence? The solution lies in limiting the dumplings to a modest serving or replacing conventional wheat flour with its mineral-rich, gluten-free rice flour alternative. For the filling, low-fat cottage cheese proves ideal, offering high-quality protein and calcium without overburdening the stomach. If enriching the borscht with sour cream is non-negotiable, opt for thick natural yogurt instead—lower in fat, easier to digest, and equally flavorful.