Want to get a kick start to better eating before the New Year? Here are a few healthier options to add into your Christmas menu. Don’t worry, healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring.
Sweet Potato Apple Skillet
This side dish would be great for Christmas morning but can be enjoyed at lunch or dinner time too. It’s a spin on the classic sweet potato casserole with similiar flavor and a lighter feel. Jessica Wood adds bacon to her recipe which you can either keep in or remove.
Potato Butternut Squash Gratin
If you are lover of potatos then this dish from Delish is a must. It’s full of fresh ingredients such as thyme, garlic and nutmeg paired with potatoes and butternut squash. This is a delicious carb alternative to the usual cheesy, full of sour cream and butter potatoes.
Spice Roasted Carrots
With little preperation you can serve an eye-grabbing side dish full of flavor and nutrients and wow your guests at the same time. Good House Keeping shares this knock out carrot recipe that you can let roast in the oven while you enjoy spending time with your family and friends.
Creamed Spinach
The absolute best thing about this recipe from Food and Wine is that you can prepare a few days before Christmas Day if needed. Make this dish ahead of time and store in the refrigerator up to three days before serving. Add some stock if the cream sauce becomes too think.
Spicy Chedder and Pumpkin Orzo
Here is another great recipe from Food and Wine mixing in orzo with arugula. The orzo helps absorb the savory taste of pumpkin while the argula adds some greenery and texture to this side dish. It’s never too late to add some pumpkin into your menu.
Quinoa Stuffing
Gimme some oven provides a mouth-watering recipe for a diferent kind of stuffing. This dish mixes vegatables, fresh ingredients and quinoa to bring you a colorful and nutrient dense option. It’s an option for everyone including those with a vegan, vegetarion and gluten free diet.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Buttnersquah and Jicama
With so many ways to prepare this recipe, you can find just the right fit for your guests. The Healthy Foodie provides you with modications to satisy all your picky eaters. No matter what you decide to add or remove you will still be left with a great mix of flavors and colors.
Green Beans
Green bean casserole is a staple for most Christmas menus but can often be too heavy. Try a lighter option from A Girl Worth Saving and keep the comfort on your table. The mushrooms and onion lock in the savory flavor and will keep your guests coming back for more.
Acorn Squash
Here is another option for squash to be served on your table this Christmas. Wtih the cranberry sauce topping, this dish can be placed either on the food or dessert side of the room. Leaf Parade offers an easy two-step recipe to help make Christmas cooking a breeze.
Coffee Cake
Of course we can’t forget about dessert. This recipe will be sure to grab your sweet tooth without your pants feeling too small. Zen Belly offers a paleo-friendly recipe that will be the (healthier) icing on the cake.
