The Thanksgiving and Christmas season is a time to eat, drink and be merry — but that doesn’t mean you have to completely forfeit your healthy diets and habits. If you’re looking to enjoy your traditional holiday favorites without overindulging, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve rounded up the best healthy substitutes for all your go-to holiday foods and cocktails. From cauliflower mashed potatoes and salmon Wellington to apple-cinnamon bread pudding and egg-less nog, these recipes are so scrumptious that you won’t believe they are actually good for you.
Make these mouthwatering dishes, and you won’t have to give up your favorites this holiday season to stay in shape. But remember: Life is about balance not deprivation, so go ahead and indulge a little!
If you like cheese and crackers…
Try: Sweet Potato Rounds With Ricotta
Forget traditional cheese and crackers this holiday season, because these sweet potato rounds topped with herbed ricotta, walnuts and cranberries will be the appetizer of choice at your next holiday soiree. If you’re going to fill up on pre-dinner snacks, it might as well be these healthy-yet-scrumptious sweet potato treats.
If you like mashed potatoes…
Try: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Save some calories and swap out regular mashed potatoes for this light and creamy cauliflower mash. Add a touch of butter and some roasted garlic, and you might even prefer these to traditional mashed potatoes.
If you like traditional stuffing…
Try: Butternut Squash And Wild Mushroom Stuffing
Stuffing is a holiday classic, but you don’t want to stuff your face with too many carbs. Try this combination of sweet butternut squash and savory wild mushrooms sautéed with herbs, caramelized onions and a splash of balsamic vinegar to satisfy all your taste buds.
If you like sweet potato casserole…
Try: Vanilla Bean Sweet Potato Casserole
Instead of topping your casserole with unhealthy marshmallow fluff, sweeten it with more natural flavors like coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla beans. This will create a healthier version of the cherished sweet potato casserole, but it will still include all the same flavors you love.
If you like Beef Wellington…
Try: Salmon Wellington
Looking for a healthier spin on the tenderloin-stuffed puff pastry? This baked Salmon Wellington is the meal for you. Creamy flavors of spinach mixed with dill, parmesan and breadcrumb-seasoned salmon all wrapped in an elegant puff pastry will be your new holiday staple.
If you like lasagna…
Packed with fresh veggies and lean ground turkey, this spinach turkey lasagna is a healthy twist on the Italian recipe that we know and love. The addition of new ingredients might even make it better than the original!
If you like stuffed pork tenderloin…
Try: Herb Crusted Lamb
Get the same appetizing flavors and ingredients as stuffed pork tenderloin with a little less fat by choosing lamb as your meat. Stuff it with your favorite herbs, veggies and cheeses for a delicious holiday dinner.
If you like chocolate-chip pumpkin bread…
Try: Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Bread
It’s officially holiday bread-baking season! Try this healthy pumpkin bread recipe that swaps out butter, oil and refined sugar for ingredients like tasty pumpkin spice, sweet coconut sugar and rich chocolate chips.
If you like classic apple pie…
Try: Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
This sweet, creamy and apple spice-flavored bread pudding is everything apple pie is and more (without the pie crust). It’s also unbelievably healthy, using whole grain bread, coconut milk and greek yogurt to get its moist texture and delectable taste. It’s great for both holiday dessert or breakfast.
If you like eggnog…
Try: Egg-less Nog
Eggnog is a holiday tradition that cannot be replaced — unless you’re replacing dairy and sugar with natural substitutes like maple syrup, bananas and coconut products. Filled with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, plus the addition of an almond-y amaretto liquor, this holiday cocktail will have you feeling fun and festive.
If you like gin and tonic…
Try: Wintry Gin And Tonic
This recipe might not be any healthier than your classic G&T, but it will give you all the flavors of winter without adding tons of extra sugar and calories. Plus, it’s super easy to make. The simple and healthy cocktail consists of just gin, tonic, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and orange slices so you’ll have more time for holiday sipping. Cheers!
Related: The Best Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List
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