“From Halloween through New Year’s, there’s always a decision to make about food,” says Dr. Marci Gluck, an NIH psychologist who studies obesity and eating behaviors. [1]
For some reason the holiday season is saturated with tasty treats popping up everywhere you look. Whether you’re at the office or in the grocery store – there are plenty of delicious seasonal dishes to tempt you and it is truly hard to say “No.” to some of them.
But just because seasonal foods are absolutely lip-smacking, doesn’t mean they need to ruin your diet. And just because you’re trying to eat healthily or get more nutrition, it doesn’t mean your meals need to be boring!
We’ve compiled 10 of our favorite holiday recipes that won’t spoil your health goals but will titillate your taste buds.
10 Easy Healthy Holiday Recipes
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes
Pumpkin is one of the best fall/winter produce available and pancakes are definitely one of the best breakfast foods – it only makes sense to bring them together.
We love this recipe because not only does it combine these two amazing things, but also, it’s deliciously gluten-free and dairy-free! And they’re so easy to make!
It’s simply perfect for those holiday brunches.
Egg White Breakfast Bites
Breakfast bites are perfect for those busy holiday schedules that need you out the door earlier than you’d like.
This particular recipe uses egg whites, which are packed with protein and a great way to keep breakfast heart-healthy without the extra cholesterol from the yolk. It’s also super easy to switch out the veggies with your favorites or whatever happens to be in your fridge. The surprising must-have ingredient in this recipe is cottage cheese, which not only helps give it a fluffy texture, but also provides a good source of calcium!
MYcoMune™ Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Pulled directly out of the Pure Essence recipe archive – this is a luscious-tasting yet healthier-than-normal version of a classic appetizer – the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. It’s low-fat, low-calorie, and gluten-free and pairs well with dippers like veggies, tortilla chips, or your favorite gluten-free crackers!
Baked Apples Stuffed with Rice and Pecans
Apples are another fall-favorite produce – always vying for attention against pumpkins. Unfortunately, while pumpkin has seemed to have found its way into many recipe variations, apples have fallen behind.
But if you’re looking for a new way to serve up your favorite holiday produce, this sweet and savory recipe is the perfect answer. This unique mixture of heart-healthy pecans and rice along with onions and bacon stuffed inside an impeccably crisp apple, will leave you wondering why you’ve never thought to try this before.
Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Cream Sauce
Sweet potato casserole is a staple at holiday dinners, but it’s not the healthiest option. This recipe lets you enjoy the natural delicious flavor of crispy sweet potatoes while pairing it with an unbelievably healthy dressing – healthy never tasted so good!
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic side for holiday feasts, but it’s no secret that it’s high in fats and sodium. This recipe offers a lightened up, dairy-free, and gluten-free alternative made with fresh green beans and a homemade mushroom sauce that is simply scrumptious!
Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Roasted Broccolini
We loved the simplicity and astonishing flavor of this recipe. It’s an easy way to bake chicken while still infusing it with delightful flavors and the nutrient-rich broccolini is a fantastic side. This is perfect for those days where you just need an easy dinner to help relax from holiday stress.
Pumpkin Curry Soup
If you’re in want of a delicious soup with just enough kick to warm you head to toe, go no further.
This easy vegan pumpkin soup is a brilliant blend of pumpkin, coconut milk, and spices. It’s so simple and it’s gluten-free and dairy-free!
Hot Spiced Fizz Cider
Hot cider hits the spot on cold afternoons or when you're sitting in front of a blazing fire. This recipe is easy to make and gives your body an abundance of nutrients to help keep you healthy.
Plus, it contains one of our favorite secret ingredients – Ionic-Fizz™ Magnesium Plus™!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
This flourless chocolate cake was just too heavenly not to share.
This simple gluten-free cake topped with chocolate ganache (included in the recipe) and fresh raspberries will make a magnificent centerpiece at your next holiday gathering – and everyone will want the recipe!
Honorable Mentions
It’s surprisingly difficult to limit a good healthy holiday recipe list to just 10 recipes, so here are a few that almost made the list!
It’s so hard to have turkey without mashed potatoes, and while potatoes are certainly rich in nutrients, mashed potatoes are often full of fat from cream, butter, and cheese. So here are a few alternatives to help lower those calories:
Need a new salad option? Try this delightfully refreshing one:
Biscuits are often a staple part of big holiday meals, try this recipe for a delicious-but-guilt-free option:
Happy holiday cooking!
Sources
[1] https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/11/healthy-holiday-foods-fun