Everyone knows eating healthy during the holidays can be a challenge. There are so many treats everywhere you go it is easy to lose sight of your health goals. Having a few healthy and delicious recipes to take along with you to your next holiday party can help you resist temptation and stay fit this holiday season. Try these easy recipes to help keep you on track.
- Prosciutto Wrapped Pears
This sweet and savory no-cook recipe makes a delicious and healthy appetizer for any holiday occasion. To make this dish, wash and dry 2 red pears. Cut them into 6 to 8 slices about a ½ inch thick. Be sure to cut away any pieces of the core from the slices. Toss ½ cup of baby arugula and 4 tablespoons of pomegranate arils with ½ teaspoon of olive oil. Cut 8 slices of prosciutto in half and lay them flat. Place a pear and a small handful of the arugula mixture on top of the prosciutto. Wrap the prosciutto around the pear and arugula mixture carefully, just enough so that the salad does not fall out. Be sure to wait until just before serving to toss arugula with oil. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
This is the perfect nutritious side dish filled with all your favorite holiday flavors. First, preheat your oven to 400 and grease two foil lined baking sheets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then in a medium bowl, toss 3 cups of Brussels sprouts that have been trimmed and cut in half with, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt to taste. Place on one of the baking sheets, cut side down. In a second medium bowl, toss 1 ½ lb of peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Place the squash in a single layer on the second baking sheet. Bake both for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each once after 10 to 15 minutes. The cut sides of the Brussels sprouts should be partially charred, but not blackened. The squash should be softened. Finally, in a large bowl mix the Brussels sprouts and squash with 2 cups of halved pecans that have been toasted and 1 cup of dried cranberries. Transfer to a serving platter and you have a beautiful and delicious side dish for your holiday meal. - Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry Energy Bites
These no bake energy balls are quick, easy, and versatile. They are great as a part of breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. First, you will need a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup ground flax seed, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup maple syrup, ¼ cup almond butter, ¼ cup dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a small pinch of salt. Stir together well. If the batter is too wet, add more oats or flax seeds. If too dry, add more almond butter or pumpkin. Refrigerate batter for about 30 minutes or until firm. Then roll the batter into 20 balls and place in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. These energy bites can easily be adapted to make several different varieties by changing the almond butter to a different nut butter or by adding in other seeds or chocolate chips.
Whether you are celebrating at home or going to a party this holiday season, these 3 simple and easy recipes are sure to be a hit. They are full of classic holiday flavors and the nutritious ingredients you need to help keep you healthy.
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