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Healthy Holiday Foods Your Way
Nutrition | December 13, 2017
Thinking of making some delicious holiday treats and meals but don’t know how to keep them on the healthy side? Let me help you to stick to eating clean without sacrificing flavor!
Substitute
Are there any go-to recipes you have at hand for the holidays? If so, there isn’t any reason why you can’t make them. Just take a look at the ingredient list and swap out some not-so-ideal items for healthier replacements!
If your recipe calls for sugar, replace it with something like Swerve (powdered Erythritol) or Stevia, which don’t contain any calories and won’t spike your blood sugar. The two of these are quite versatile and measure and bake like regular sugar. I particularly love to use Swerve in many of my favorite recipes, from smoothies to brownies.
Packaged sugar is typically refined and highly processed as it is, so some other options include Maple Syrup and Honey. However, I would caution you use these sparingly and in moderation, as they do contain some calories, carbs, and (natural) sugar. Personally, I stick to Swerve most of the time.
Almost as bad as sugar, white flour can be another problem especially when it comes to making pies, cookies, and other sweets. But don’t worry; you have quite a list of options to choose from as alternatives! I’ve even included some recipes to show you how to use them.
Coconut Flour (Coconut Lemon Muffins) (FM)
Almond Flour (Low Carb Birthday Cheesecake) (FM)
Cashew Meal (Sweet Protein Pancakes) (WEM)
Protein Powder (Pumpkin Pie Bars) (FM)
Whole Wheat Flour (Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta) (WEM)
As I’m sure you know, I label my recipes according to the amount of carbs they contain. If it’s low carb, then it becomes a Free Meal (FM). If it’s higher in carbs, then it’s something I can only eat after I’ve done my workout- Workout Earned Meal (WEM). For more info on my approach, check out my post here.
Do Something Different
Why not break away from tradition and find something new? Start looking for new recipes and give your own spin on them. If everyone is used to a casserole, who says you can’t add some fiber-rich vegetables? (Like I do in this Mashed Cauliflower Asparagus Casserole (FM)!) As temperatures start to drop and we crave warm, comfort foods, it would be awesome if you could whip up a nourishing bowl of soup from scratch. Skip the canned varieties, which are often filled with things like sugar, white flour, artificial flavors, and preservatives, and make it at home from scratch with whole foods. (My Roasted Pumpkin Soup (FM) is perfect for this season!)
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Who knows, you may just convert your friends and family to practicing healthier habits by proving that eating clean doesn’t mean eating bland!
If you’re still unsure of what to make for the upcoming holiday parties, hold on tight. I’ll be sharing some delicious recipes that are simple and easy to make right at home. In the meantime, let me know what you do to spread some healthy holiday cheer!
Private Member |
thanks for these ideas:) I’m going to serve among all herring in greek yogurt with onions 🙂 and roasted parsnips and carrots, chickpea (roasted) on a side with a beetroot and thick kefir hummus (no idea how its gonna taste :p), cucumber soup (oh well lol), buckwheat flatbreads and buckwheat and corn flour mix crispy nachos, kefir and greek yogurt with a peanut butter on a side for these… id add avocado anywhere I could, but I just suffer a terrible stomach pains after eating it…. ….. 🙁
anyway…
ah, and also an octopus with half raw half steamed green veggies
and of course sour cabbage with mushrooms (warmed up)
all home made and all organic
yum!!!!
Private Member |
santa cruz, ca
CAN I FLY TO YOUR HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS??? Lol
Private Member |
LOL it sounds yummy doesn’t it? :-D:-:-D
Private Member |
I can’t wait to see the holiday recipes! Buffalo pizza and the coconut flour crepes are some of my most favorites that you have posted!!
Private Member |
seattle, washington
Seriously, you gotta post your protein balls recipe, Zuzka!😁
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka. If you could post some healthier take on slovak and czech christmas food recipes, would be great. Especially the sweet stuff. When making the coconut balls, what should I replace the biscuit crumb with? Maybe combination of some wheat free crushed biscuits and almond flour? Thank you. Keep up the amazing work xx
Private Member |
uk
Xmass is only once a year. Personally I couldn’t care less if the food has white sugar or flour in it. I feel that talking about clean eating would just spoil it for everyone. Even health nuts should give themselves a break once a year. Good for the mental health. Cheers : )
Private Member |
Thank you so much Z i love the inspiration! i need more imaginative ideas for light breakfasts xo
Private Member |
Yes thank you! I’ve already decided I’m going to make your cheesecake & those pecan squares for xmas! I love enjoying a little extra low carb treats for the holidays! 😍🙂🙂