Rich, hearty Christmas foods can be so satisfying, but sometimes, you just want a healthy alternative. Healthier holiday fare may be a good way to break up your indulgences or get a head start towards your New Year’s Resolution. Whatever your motivations, these seven healthy alternatives to classic Christmas dishes are just as festive without being quite so heavy.
If you crave the sweet satisfaction that only eggnog can deliver, we’ve included this recipe on the list to help you enjoy the traditional Christmas beverage without the ensuing guilt. Not only is this recipe entirely vegan, but it also incorporates turmeric for an anti-inflammatory twist on the classic.
A good side dish can make or break a Christmas meal. We like this recipe because roasting the Brussels sprouts in olive oil gives them a rich flavor, while the lemon and parsley in the sauce add a pop of brightness.
For many families, mashed potatoes are classic Christmas fare, and we don’t blame them! Mashed potatoes are undoubtedly delicious, but they are also often loaded down with butter and cream. We think this recipe for rosemary roast potatoes looks just as delicious without as much fat. Note that the recipe calls for 1 kg of potatoes, which is equivalent to about 2.2 lbs.
You need a main dish befitting the holiday, even if you are trying to eat healthfully! We’ve selected this recipe because it balances out indulgence and healthy eating. The puff pastry adds a luxurious touch, but most of the rich flavors come from healthy ingredients, like mushrooms, spinach, and onions.
If a nice roast is always the highlight of your Christmas meal, we’ve included this recipe for you! It has the appealing look and hearty flavors of roast meat, but it’s entirely vegan and chock-full of nutritious ingredients. The right vegan recipe can be just as satisfying as more traditional meat dishes, and we think this recipe fits the bill.
No Christmas feast is complete without Christmas cookies! This recipe stands out because it is vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free. But we’ve included it in this list because in spite of all the ingredients it’s missing, you wouldn’t know it by tasting them! Making these cookies can get a little pricey, but if you want a healthy holiday treat, they’re hard to beat.
A mince pie is a traditional, old-timey dish popular in England. Traditional mince pie recipes never took off much in the United States, perhaps because not everyone enjoys meat in their desserts. This recipe is vegan, though, and we’ve selected this recipe because it is filled with so many nutritious ingredients while still being Christmasy. Anyone might enjoy the moist, flavorful treat, but health-minded eaters may be particularly satisfied with the goji berries, chia seeds, and coconut oil.
What are your favorite healthy Christmas dishes? Tell us what you enjoy in the comments section below!
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