This time of year, can be stressful for a lot of people. Especially if you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Why not make this holiday one that’s full of food that is tasty and healthy! Step away from tradition and try something new this holiday! I personally love the idea of trying new foods for the holidays. You can start a new tradition of eating healthy, instead of over eating and falling asleep on the couch like I have done in the past.
Pumpkin Hummus
I had to include at least one recipe that included some sort of pumpkin. I included this one because I feel like hummus has a pretty mild flavor so adding pumpkin would be a fun way to serve it up during the holidays. I like this specific recipe because it has more of a spicy take on pumpkin. I do not like many pumpkin foods (with the exception of desserts) like soup that are super sweet so this is a perfect way to start off your holiday meal.
Autumn Apple Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette
On days like Thanksgiving we are usually eating a ton of heavy foods, so a salad will be a nice way to break it up, and give your belly a nice break. I also love adding maple to everything. Maple Syrup is a natural sweetener so if you need something sweetened whether it’s your yogurt or your coffee, I suggest maple syrup.
I digress.
This salad is nice because it has a hint of maple flavor so you will taste a little bit of sweetness not a dessert with lettuce on it. The other thing I love about this salad is it is pretty balanced. You have your greens, your fruits, your protein, dairy, and healthy fats in the pecans. This is a salad I will definitely be eating multiple times this season.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Cranberries and Balsamic Reduction
I know, I know! Brussel sprouts are usually gross. I could probably make a large list of all the people I know who hate this vegetable in any form. However, I am here to tell you I have had delicious Brussel sprouts and now my eyes are open. The sprouts were crispy, flavorful, and I couldn’t get enough. This recipe is giving me the same vibes. They even include an element of another classic holiday food –cranberry sauce. If this isn’t the perfect introduction to tasty Brussel sprouts I don’t know what is.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
This year skip the turkey and try a new take on your holiday entrée. Lasagna is cheesy, saucy, and super easy to sneak veggies into. This is an option that even your vegetarian guests can enjoy. I’m going to be honest, these pictures alone have me second guessing meat as the main dish this holiday. This is definitely the season to step out of your comfort zone.
Best-Ever Healthy Apple Crisp
Something about eating apples in fall just gets me excited to eat! I love a crisp apple on a crisp fall day. Let’s also not forget that there are so many ways to use this delicious ingredient. I decided to choose a healthy version of my favorite apple dessert –apple crisp. I love the crunchy toasty outside with the soft warm middle. It’s a match made in dessert heaven. I love this recipe because it focuses on whole ingredients and little refined sugar. Let’s face it, apples have plenty of sugar so you don’t really need any added.