Dear readers, this week’s question is one I invariably get this time of year from clients trying to keep the holidays from being too much of a setback in their dietary habits. The holidays are often filled with get-togethers over food and drinks - and even in the absence of holiday parties, we tend to overdo the sweets and carbs. To help with that I try to share some of my favourite healthier solutions for celebrations. I hope you enjoy these ones/
Grasshopper No-Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
I’ve found an incredible recipe for a bar substitute that uses avocados and dark cacao. If you like the chocolate and mint combination, this one is amazing! These bars combine chocolate, coconut, healthy fat, and peppermint extract, with just the right amount of sweetness. A very satisfying treat for those trying to cut back on sugars but still have a sweet here and there. You do not need to bake them, they’re super creamy, and they keep in the freezer indefinitely! Double or triple the recipe. You’ll be sad if you don't!
Find the recipe here.
OMG Organic Haystacks
You remember haystacks? They are essentially a no-bake drop cookie that you mix and chill on parchment or wax paper. We used to make them as kids because they are so easy and forgiving! Well this is my updated, super-healthy version and it slams the original in terms of flavour! I have never met a person who didn’t love these! They contain nuts, coconut, organic oats, organic cacao, and coconut oil - so they are chewy and melty all at once! Ok, enough introduction. Just remember to get organic ingredients to really make these shine!
Find the recipe here.
Almond Butter Bliss
Sounds boring, right? That’s because you’ve never tried this homemade salty-sweet nut butter. But once you do, you will see why friends refer to it as “Crack in a Jar.” It’s deliciously smooth while being high in protein and healthy fats. I enjoy it on celery sticks as an appetizer or snack. Just remember to take the almonds out of the oven before they seem done. They will taste overdone if you don’t.
Find the recipe here.
Gooey Goodness Brownies
These brownies are not only better than any traditional brownies you've tried, but they are extremely healthy! They are loaded with healthy Omega 3's and medium chain triglycerides, as well as fiber. With the hit of honey and cacao, they are a perfect food for pre-workout energy.
The recipe says it serves 12 because you can divide them into 12 brownies. In reality, in my house it serves two. I get two before my son disappears with the pan. So if you're sharing, make sure to keep a reserve (read secret) stash in the freezer if you want to have any more than a taste before they are gone!
Find the recipe here.
Bacon-Jalapeno Devilled Eggs
Again, sounds simple. But when you add the crispy bacon and tangy pickled jalapenos to the mayo, you get this incredible flavour profile. And who doesn’t love devilled eggs?
Find the recipe here.
Keto Chaplee Sliders
This is a variation on an Afghan favourite. They are mild, salty, and very aromatic and flavourful. Cook in a hot pan (cast iron is best) with lard or tallow for best results. If you do it on the grill, melt the fat and brush it on the meat before starting. The best way to cook them is to shape them so the edges are pinched and you get a bit of crisping there or with a flat iron - again for the crisping. I do mine like mini flat iron burgers. They are super cute on a tray atop a nice lettuce leaf and they are so flavourful you won’t need condiments at all!
Find the recipe here.
Broccoli, Bacon, and Grape Salad
This make ahead salad sounds wrong, doesn’t it? Who mixes fruit with broccoli or bacon? Well, it turns out it’s an absolute hit with everyone I’ve ever served it to! Sounds crazy but it's delicious - slightly sweet, slightly salty, crunchy, and creamy all at the same time. And if you use avocado mayo it’s even more healthy. This can be made a day ahead and doesn’t take much prep at all. Try it and it will quickly become a new family holiday favourite!
Find the recipe here.
Other recipe suggestions I really love for the holidays are:
- Roasted acorn squash
- Buttery green beans
- Keto dinner rolls
- A keto charcuterie board
- Paleo pumpkin pie
- Coconut whipped cream
- Kombucha instead of wine
- Fruit infused water for the kids
I hope these inspire you to try some new things this holiday season to make your holiday foods healthier for the whole family. And I hope you come to appreciate that healthy food tastes as good - or often better - than their over sweetened, unhealthy counterparts. Try these recipes and let me know what you think!
As always, readers can send their questions to me at [email protected] or find me online at hopenotdope.ca. Happy Holidays!
Namaste!
Nonie Nutritionista