LIGHTEN UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
The holidays are a time to get together with friends and family, to enjoy the good company, the good food, and some much-needed time off from work and school. Yet so many people end up getting into a panic about all of the tasty dishes and treats that await. Is there a way to partake in the yummy delights during the holidays without packing on some serious pounds? YES!
Below you will find some holiday recipes that are bursting with flavor, but are also packed with nutrients. These recipes won't have you feeling deprived, or uncomfortably stuffed! Try out one or all of these dishes and bring something nutritious and delicious to your holiday get-together!
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1. CAULIFLOWER RISOTTO
INGREDIENTS
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Cauliflower Florets, 1 head
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Celery, 3 stalks
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Olive Oil, 1 tbsp
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Garlic (minced), 1 tsp
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Onion (chopped), 1
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White Wine, 1/4 cup
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Craisins (or raisins), 1/4 cup
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Coconut Milk, 1 (14-oz) can
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Nutritional Yeast, 1/4 cup
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Sea Salt, 1/2 tsp
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Black Pepper, 1/4 tsp
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Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon)
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Italian Parsley (minced), 2 tbsp
DIRECTIONS
- Boil a large pot of water; add cauliflower and cook for 4 minutes.
- Drain and cool.
- Pulse cooled cauliflower in food processor; reserve.
- Shred celery; reserve.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onion; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cauliflower; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add wine; cook for 4 minutes to reduce.
- Add celery and craisins; mix well.
- Add coconut milk; cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add remaining ingredients; mix; cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Calories: 112 / Protein 3g / Carbs 5g / Fat 9g / Fiber 3g
2. CHARD AND BEAN-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
INGREDIENTS
- Acorn Squash (halved, seeded), 2
- Tomato Paste, 1 tbsp
- Swiss Chard, 1 large bunch
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tsp + 2 tbsp
- Salt, 1/2 tsp
- White Beans (rinsed), 1 (15-oz) can
- Kalamata Olives (chopped), 1/4 cup
- Black Pepper, 1/2 tsp
- Onion (chopped), 1/2 cup
- Dry Whole-Wheat Breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup
- Garlic (minced), 2 cloves
- Parmesan Cheese (grated), 1/3 cup
- Water, 2 tbsp
DIRECTIONS
- Cut the bottom of the acorn squash to make it rest flat.
- Sprinkle the halves with the teaspoon of oil and dashes of salt and pepper.
- Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 12 minutes so squash comes apart with a fork.
- While microwaving, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Add water, tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and chard; cook 5 minutes.
- Add beans and olives; cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon oil, and Parmesan.
- Fill each squash half with a mixture of the breadcrumbs and the veggies and beans.
- Place squash halves in baking dish; bake 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Calories: 340 / Protein 10g / Carbs 50g / Fat 13g / Fiber 12g
3. ASIAN-SPICED TURKEY MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
- Red Onion (diced), 1/4 cup
- Ground Turkey, 1/2 lb
- Egg White (lightly whisked), 1
- Dry Whole-Wheat breadcrumbs, 3 tbsp
- Sesame Oil, 3/4 tsp
- Soy Sauce, 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Garlic Powder, 1/4 tsp
- Hoisin Sauce, 1/4 tsp
- Sriracha, 1/4 t
- Juice from 1/2 Orange
- Cilantro (optional), to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Coat two baking sheets with nonstick spray.
- Boil a pot of water; add onion.
- Cook for 1 minute then drain and reserve.
- In a mixing bowl, combine egg, onion, turkey, breadcrumbs, sesame oil, soy sauce, black pepper and garlic powder.
- Use a tablespoon to form small meatballs and place in baking dishes.
- In separate bowl, whisk sriracha and hoisin sauce
- Spoon a bit over each meatball.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Garnish with orange juice and cilantro.
Calories: 110 / Protein 8g / Carbs 8g / Fat 4g / Fiber 1g
4. RAW VEGAN FUDGE
INGREDIENTS
- Coconut Oil (melted), 1 cup
- Raw Cacao Powder, 1/4 cup
- Almond Butter, 1/4 cup
- Maple Syrup, 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract, 1 tbsp
DIRECTIONS
- Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Pour into a square baking dish & freeze about one hour.
- Slice into pieces and serve.
Calories: 90 / Protein 3g / Carbs 2g / Fat 5g / Fiber 1g
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HOLIDAY EATING TIPS!
When it comes to Christmas, there are some things I like to keep in mind so that I can have fun and take it easy without derailing all of my hard fitness work! These are some tips I suggest:
- Eat a good breakfast. You may want to starve yourself until Christmas dinner, but starting off with a good, healthy breakfast will help you avoid overeating later.
- Eat your favorite dishes first. Love the cinnamon buns? Fine, eat one! Remember that you don't have to eat two of everything. Choose your absolute favorites, savor them, and you'll be less likely to overindulge.
- Make your plate colorful. This goes for all year round! The more color, the more nutrition!
- Shift your focus. Don't over think it; turn your attention instead to the camaraderie and fun of the holidays, not the forbidden food you can't eat. Eat, drink, be merry, and remember that this is a special occasion. It's not the end of the world if you overeat, but do focus on nourishing your body and your soul.
- Hydrate! I can't stress this enough. Drink water throughout the day, and maybe start your morning off with my Nutrition Shake! Staying hydrated will help you avoid mistaking hunger for thirst, and thus overeating. Need help staying hydrated? Check out my new BTES water bottle, perfect for keeping your water cold all day.
Happy holidays everyone! Let's have a great 2021!
Deborah
January 07, 2021I’m 67 years old have exercised my whole adult life. Never had a weight issue till my mid 50s and have been struggling ever since. I’m currently 20-25 lbs overweight. I have been watching u on u tube and find your workouts
manageable and challenging. I carry my weight around my mid section and cannot seem to get it off no matter what l do. If u would have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.