RECIPE ROUNDUP: Healthy for the Holidays
Eating healthy can seem like an uphill battle any time of the year. But during the holidays, it’s easy to get drawn back to the traditions of the past. You crave sugar plumbs and Grandma’s sugar cookies - not the carrot from Frosty's nose.
The dread of going into the holidays on a healthy eating plan starts early. And it can make anybody change their tune from “fa-la-la-la-la” to “fa-la-la-la-BLAH”!
Believe it or not, it’s totally possible to enjoy holiday feasting without crashing your health plan. It just takes a little preparation and a bit of know how.
That’s why our in-house dietitians here at Meal Garden put together our “Staying Healthy Through The Holidays” Program. They understood that this healthy eating overwhelm is common. And they’ve used their creativity to help recreate the joy of eating during the holidays, but do it in a better way.
Getting Started: Little Indulgences Before the Main Event
Put out these delicious and nutritious starters so you’re not tempted to dive head first into the cookie jar.
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites with Sriracha Aila
All the creaminess of real cheese, but with none of the guilt. These decadent bites are vegan, nutrient rich and so delicious. You’ll swear you’re eating something naughty. But they are super nice.
Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
You could go get a latte at a popular chain for about 800 calories. Or you can indulge in your favorite holiday flavor in this easy to make dish. This is great to whip up when holiday guests just drop in unexpectedly. 10 minutes in the kitchen and you’re done!
Raise a Glass!
No need to be the odd man out when it comes to a toast. These mocktails (alcohol free cocktails) are just as festive as the season.
Christmas Cider
All the comforting spices of Christmas in one warm and comforting holiday drink. This tastes decadent, but the main ingredients are healthy fruits and spices. This is a great one to sip in your holiday pjs while you wait to sneak a peek at Santa.
Kombucha Mule Mocktail
How about a gut-friendly, nourishing version of a Moscow Mule? This looks like something that you shouldn’t be drinking. But you can! And the great thing is that nobody else will know that alcohol isn’t to blame for that lampshade on your head.
The Main Event
Once you start the meal on a healthy note, now is the time to build momentum. Here are some main dishes that will get even the biggest scrooge in the holiday spirit.
Pot Roast...Without The Roast
No need to feel like you’re missing out when it comes to the main course. This warm and inviting dish features carrots, potatoes, red wine and jackfruit. And you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. You can whip this up in just 80 minutes! What will you do with your free time?
Warm Quinoa With Tofu And Cranberry Dressing
Here’s a comforting dish of tofu and walnuts, drizzled with cranberry balsamic dressing. It has all the tastes of the season without all the bad stuff. And it’s so wholesome, you won’t fear getting coal in your stockings if you go for seconds!
Treats and Sweets
What are the holidays without a touch of decadence? Here are the treats that won’t end up being cheats.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
Enjoy one of the favorite fruits of the season in a more wholesome way. This has flavors yummy enough to get you to new years. But it’s a much cleaner version of a comforting breakfast family staple.
Chocolate Peppermint Balls
What’s better than a peppermint hot chocolate? These wholesome and healthy chocolate peppermint balls. Cocoa, peppermint, and dates - they taste like a holiday cheat. But they’re packed with so many superfoods, you’ll want to throw confetti and play noisemakers each time you eat one.
Staying healthy through the holidays can be easy.
Our brand new “Healthy Through the Holidays” program takes all the complication out of staying on track. It’s easy to make nutritious choices because they’ve made healthy eating so delicious.
So put on your reindeer nose, light your menorah, and get ready for the festivities. Meal Garden’s Staying Healthy Through The Holidays is that gift you always wanted. It’s full of holiday cheer, and you don’t even need to wait for santa to bring it!
