The fact that the New Year comes right after the major holiday season is comforting to some. After all, January 1st sure seems like as good a time as any to hit the “reset” button after weeks of indulgence and decadence with your food and drink choices. This year, ditch the unhealthy foods that will set you way behind the finish line. After searching the internet for our favorite delicious healthy holiday recipes, we found four that we know you’ll love.
4 of Our Favorite Healthy Holiday Recipes
1. Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing
Stuffing is a family favorite around the holiday dinner table, and this recipe allows you to enjoy it without “stuffing” yourself with gluten or processed carbs. To make for your next gathering, add these ingredients to your shopping list:
- 6 pound sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 8 ounces {2 sticks} grass-fed butter (we love Kerrygold!) or extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 lbs mild Italian sausage
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 head of celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- curly parsley for garnish {optional}
*Courtesy of Cassy Joy Garcia at Fed+Fit
You May Also Like: Get to Cookin’ with These Healthy Fall-Inspired Recipes Using Northwest’s In-Season Fruit
2. Root Vegetable and Cumin Soup
This earthy and delectable parsnip soup is a dairy-free alternative to rich sides like creamed corn or chowder. Plus, it’s full of veggies and chock full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Here’s what you need:
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins
- 3 celery sticks, sliced
- 1 cauliflower head, chopped
- 4 cups parsnips, sliced into coins
- 6 cups of water
*Courtesy of Jessica Mitton at Academy of Culinary Nutrition
3. Coconut Ginger Carrot Rice
Surprise and delight your guests with this twist on a classic holiday side! This dish is low carb, vegan, and gluten-free, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, or whatever other holiday meal is on deck. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs organic carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 4 scallions, white and green parts, sliced
- 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2/3 cup raw cashews, roughly chopped
Courtesy of Vicky and Ruth at May I Have That Recipe?
4. Slow Cooker Turkey
Easy, delicious, and healthy? Pass the gravy boat and hop in! This turkey recipe will give you tons of extra time on the big holiday to spend your family and friends. You’ll need:
- 4.5-5 lb turkey breast
- 1 onion, sliced (I used 2 small)
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp ghee
For the gravy:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Slurry: 1/2 cup arrowroot flour, 1 cup water, 1 tsp garlic powder
*Courtesy of Shannon at FitSlowCookerQueen
Looking for more healthy holiday recipes? Check out PNW Fitness’s FREE downloads here and be sure to chat with one of our staff members for more holiday-inspired ideas.