How to Have the Holidays Healthy

For the majority of us, holiday meals are a love-hate relationship: we love the food, but the aftermath of eating any holiday food is sure to ruin any health-related resolution. This time of year is tough for trying to stay in shape or start eating healthier (hence, why the gym is always packed in January instead of December), and the food is so difficult not to eat! Luckily, there are lots of recipes available for you to still get your holiday food-fix without worrying too much about having to set crazy fitness goals in January.

Let’s start off with the finger-foods + sides:

• Tangy Tomato Dip – D[ip]licious! Best served with carrots or Ruffles.

• Cheddar Scallion Cornbread – Not as high in calories as the classic American goodness, but just as satisfying.  

• Brown-butter Brussels Sprouts – I recommend adding some bacon to make this recipe 100% AMAZING.

• Mini Chicken Tostadas – Super easy to make, these will go quickly!

Main Course Dishes:

• Green Bean Casserole – I know, it’s not the same without the normal ingredients, but I promise it’s not too different from what we know and love!

• Sausage Stuffing – Only 5 grams of fat/serving, in comparison to the typical 19 or more!

• Mashed Potatoes – You can never go wrong with the mashed potatoes, amirite?

• Mac n’ Cheese – I can’t tell the difference with this one; it tastes just like homemade!

• And, of course, the Turkey – Unless it’s deep fried, the turkey’s typically the healthier part of holiday meals.

Save Room for Dessert! (And the Eggnog):

• “..when they pass around the coffee and the Pumpkin Pie..”

• Apple Pie – This recipe can also be dairy/gluten/sugar-free!

• Eggnog – It’s really difficult to find healthy drink recipes, but this one might be an exception.

• Gingerbread – And you can have the maple glaze, too!

• Peppermint Mocha – You may or may not have a holiday cup to go with it, but you can’t beat it at only 35 calories.

• One more for good measure – Chocolate Pear Layer Cake with Caramel, anyone?

The holidays are tough to try and dodge the extra calories, but there’s always an alternative; however, please make sure to treat yourself a little bit for finishing up this semester. Bon appetit!  

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4