Healthy Holiday Recipes that Just Might Become New Traditions

Food in all its forms is an integral part of the Christmas holidays. Whether you are hosting holiday dinner for the whole family, cooking up a little something for yourself, baking with the grandkids, or searching for a unique treat to bring as a gift, holiday recipes abound. Some are long-time traditions that nearly qualify as family heirlooms. Others are more “hey, you have to try this” opportunities to create new food traditions.

Unfortunately, all too often our favorite holiday foods are pretty high on the fat and calories scale. We feel guilty if we overindulge, but everything is just so good! However, we also know that eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential for good health, especially for seniors who need proper fuel to stay energized and help minimize the effects of various health conditions.

Can we eat our way through the holidays in a more nutritious way? Yes! Here are some holiday recipes you will find where healthy and mouth-watering meet -- less fat and sugar, but no less delicious.

Appetizers or First Courses

• Avocado feta dip (serve with veggies as well as crackers)
• Oven-fried latkes (baking reduces the fat)

Main Dishes

• Mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin – with “a savory mix of mushrooms and bacon and roasted to perfection,” says the Food Network, “no one will guess that it's a healthy holiday main dish.”
• Butternut squash soup
• Love traditional cabbage rolls? Try this surprisingly yummy, “meaty” alternative: Goat cheese, lentil, and brown rice rolls in Swiss chard leaves.

Sides

• Warm spinach salad
• Apple cranberry walnut salad, chock full of vitamins and other nutrients to keep senior minds and bodies healthy
• Love mashed potatoes? Mash (or bake) some sweet potatoes instead. They are even more nutritious and they make a tasty accompaniment for a wide variety of main dishes.
• For a healthier version of the beloved green bean casserole, try this second-helping-worthy recipe.
• Roasted balsamic onions -- super-easy to make and decadently delicious, yet low-calorie.

Desserts

• Gluten-free almond chocolate cake
• Healthy gingerbread loaf (low in sugar)

And this trio of dessert goodies is both festive and nutritious:

• Georgian honey walnut brittle
• Sugar-free date nut bars
• Avocado chocolate cake

Opt for a Non-Traditional Time

Holiday meals don’t have to be all about dinner and dessert. Brunch is the perfect time of day.

• It allows for a leisurely, sleep-in, which can be a big plus considering that the holidays are often filled with activities.
• If the whole family is together on Christmas Day, brunch gives the kids plenty of time to open all their presents and wind down a little from the pandemonium before everyone sits down to eat.
• If you’re hosting the multitudes, combining breakfast and lunch means you only have to prepare two meals that day.
• Conversely, an intimate brunch for just two or a few guests can sidestep the holiday bustle with a focus on personal conversation.

Start with an egg-based casserole or strata that features healthy proteins and maybe some veggies. This Greek-style egg dish includes spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. Serve it with some pretty, healthy lemon raspberry muffins. Or treat your guests to a new twist on an old favorite, banana bread French toast.

Whatever foods you and your family love most, incorporating healthier recipes or ingredients into the mix will help you feed your holiday spirit to the fullest, knowing you’re giving your body and mind the best gift of all – good health.

Take a tour and enjoy a free delicious lunch at Magnolia Manor

At Magnolia Manor, we pride ourselves on serving delicious an nutritious meals for our residents. Visit any of our eight campuses for a guided tour and you'll also get a chance to try our tasty food – for free. That’s right. Enjoy a southern home-cooked meal on us and taste for yourself how delicious and nutritious our food is. Find out more by contacting us online or giving us a call at (855) 540-LIFE.