One of the biggest challenges this time of year is staying on track with our healthy eating intentions. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we know there are a bazillion holiday recipes online. But it's not always easy to find healthy options. How do you sort through all the junk recipes and find good-for-you dishes that actually taste good?
It's not easy but it can be done. And we're going to help you! But first, here are a few thoughts on finding healthy holiday recipes:
- Be open to creative twists on traditional favorites. Sometimes shifting one or two ingredients transforms a dish from deadly to delightful— with no guilty hang-overs. For example, instead of sweet potato casserole loaded with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows, we created a butternut squash version with a toasted pecan topping and no added sugar. A bowl full of deliciousness... without the sugar coma afterwards. Win-win.
- Don't be afraid to make new food traditions. Just because your Great Granny Gertrude ate figgy pudding with two quarts of whipped cream on top, doesn't mean you have to. Try honoring Great Aunt Gertie with a lovely fig salad instead. Give yourself permission to try new recipes and you just might find yourself starting some really delicious new holiday traditions.
- Remember, what it's all about. The spirit of the season is love. If you find yourself struggling with food boundaries, just remember that making healthy choices is the best way to love yourself. And you're worth it.
A few places to find healthy, holiday-ish recipes...
For your recipe inspiration, we're sharing a few sites we love. While none of them are specifically holiday-themed, if you're willing to be creative and explore new traditions, you'll find enough inspiration here for at least 10 back-to-back healthy holiday dinners. Enjoy!
- Author and creative-cook-extraordinaire, Sarah Britton, shares a treasure trove of gorgeous dishes on her site, My New Roots. We give it 7 stars on a scale of 1 to 5. Her second book is as spectacular as her first book. Both would make excellent holiday gifts for yourself.
- Do yourself a favor and browse the recipes on Naturally Ella. You won't be disappointed. And bookmark her Produce Guide section in case you ever find yourself wondering what the heck is celeriac.
- And last, but not least, if you'd like to be seduced by a self-proclaimed cook who writes, Nigel Slater will easily steal your heart in the first few pages of his famous vegetable book, Tender. (Yes, you deserve another holiday gift and should buy this book too— especially if you love language and food.) If you can make it past his sexy home page photo, be sure to check out the rest of the beautiful web site which features recipes organized by season.
A few more recipes...
And here are some of our favorite healthy, holiday-ish dishes...
- Slow-Sautéed Carrots & Turnips
- Roasted Green Beans with Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmigiano
- Beet and Brussels Sprout Salad
- Twice Baked Delicata Squash
- Curried Pumpkin Soup With Chicken
- Fall Harvest Chopped Salad with Apple Maple Vinaigrette
- Sautéed Kale w/ Caramelized Onions
Happy cooking!
Image: Gemma Evans