The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, indulging in delicious meals. But who says festive food can’t also be healthy? This Christmas, why not start a new tradition by incorporating wholesome, nutritious recipes into your celebrations? These dishes are bursting with seasonal flavors, free of added sugar and unnecessary extras, and designed to nourish your body while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Imagine sipping on a warm, spiced drink by the fire, indulging in a naturally sweet dessert, or sharing a flavorful side dish that your guests will rave about. These recipes will not only delight your taste buds but also leave you feeling proud of making choices that align with your health goals. Let’s make this season memorable by embracing dishes that bring joy, wellness, and a touch of holiday magic to the table!
Drink: Spiced Cinnamon Orange Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-3 slices of fresh ginger
- 3 cups of water
- Optional: A touch of stevia or monk fruit for sweetness
Instructions:
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger to a pot with water.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm. Garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional: reduced to a glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crisp.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a festive, flavorful finish.
Dessert: Baked Pears with Spiced Nut Filling
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pears:some text
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core and seeds using a spoon or melon baller, creating a small hollow.
- Make the Filling:some text
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Bake:some text
- Place the pears cut side up in a baking dish.
- Fill each pear with the spiced nut mixture.
- Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the filling is golden.
- Serve:some text
- Serve warm with a dollop of unsweetened coconut yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra creaminess.
As you gather with loved ones this season, we hope these recipes bring warmth, health, and happiness to your holiday celebrations. Merry Christmas and cheers to a joyful, wholesome holiday season!
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