Everyone talks about gaining weight during the holiday season, but I have a hard time believing that a little over-indulgence on Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and New Years results in a national average of 7-10 pounds of extra weight. Rather, I think the issue is that people start indulging on Thanksgiving and then don’t stop until January 2nd. And yeah, a full month of eating like crap will pack on the pounds.

So this year, I say let’s try to get a jump-start on our New Years resolutions and eat as healthfully as possible for the month of December (save for a buttery Christmas goose here and some golden latkes there). This tuna salad is full of healthy fats, devoid of empty carbs and chock-full of flavor. I ate it in endive cups, but you could also wrap it in a whole grain tortilla, mound it over greens or just eat it straight out of the bowl.

• ingredients
• 1 5-oz can tuna packed in olive oil $2
• 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion (about 1/8 medium red onion) $0.50 for a whole onion
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced Pantry
• 1/2 medium carrot, shredded (about 2 tbsp—if you use bagged shredded carrot, run a knife over it a few times before using) $0.25 for a whole carrot
• 1/2 ripe avocado, diced small $1.50 for a whole avocado
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.50 for a small piece of ginger
• 1 tsp (plus more to taste) Sriracha $2.50 for a 17-oz bottle
• juice of 1/2 lime $0.50 for a whole lime
• salt and pepper to taste Pantry
• chopped fresh chives, parsley or cilantro for garnish optional

Total Cost of Ingredients: $7.75

Directions

Lightly toss together all ingredients and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.

Serves 1 (or 2 in pita or in a sandwich).