Christmas is a time for celebration with family and friends. But, unfortunately, it’s also a time for overindulging in unhealthy food! So this year, why not try some healthy Christmas recipes that will leave you feeling festive and satisfied? This article will share some of our favorite delicious and nutritious recipes. From roasted turkey to vegan stuffing, we have something for everyone! So let’s get cooking!
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Benefits Of Having A Healthy Christmas
Christmas is a beautiful time of year. It’s a time to spend with family, exchange gifts, and enjoy the festive season. However, it’s also a time when our diets can take a turn for the worse. Christmas day eating is often high in fat and calories, and we can easily find ourselves snacking on sugary treats throughout the day. This can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and blood sugar problems. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little planning, you can enjoy a healthy Christmas that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Start by focusing on quality over quantity. Choose lean meats, fresh vegetables, whole wheat bread, and pasta. And limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol. By making simple changes like these, you can have a healthy Christmas that will taste just as good as an unhealthy one.
Roasted Turkey With Cranberry
Roasted turkey is a Christmas favorite, and our simple recipe is sure to become one of yours. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tender and juicy piece of turkey that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
-1 turkey breast, cut into 8 equal pieces
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 cup dried cranberries
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
-1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mix olive oil, cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Place the turkey pieces in the bowl and coat them evenly with the mixture.
- Spread the turkey in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This is a healthy twist on a holiday classic. Sweet potatoes are cooked in maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a sweet and savory side dish.
Ingredients:
-4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 cup maple syrup
-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, until tender.
- Remove from oven and stir in maple syrup and parsley
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Onions
Thanksgiving may be over, but we’re still all about the vegetables! These sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon and onions are a perfect side for any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced thin
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-6 strips bacon, diced
-1 large onion, diced
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
- Add the Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper and cook until browned and slightly softened about 5 minutes.
- Add the bacon and onion and cook until the bacon is crisp about 8 minutes.
