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HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATS


Want to stay on track this holiday season? Yes – we all do, right? But doing so can be super tricky when party hopping, party planning, and playing hostess to out of town guests. That’s where RISE Fitness + RISE Cycle comes in. Of course we have you covered for your workouts, but that is just a sliver of your day.

Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes that are sugar-free (or almost sugar-free) compliant, so that you can still make the most of the holidays without sabotaging your goals.

 

APPETIZERS

One of the easiest ways to stay on track is to bring a healthy appetizer to any party. That way, if the menu looks more sinful and sweet, you know you can at least enjoy your app.

INGREDIENTS:

2 c chopped onions (yellow)

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 ½ c chopped butternut squash

2 cans of black beans drained

2 Tbsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

2 ½ c vegetable or chicken broth

1 ½ c diced tomatoes fresh

1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Add all ingredients, except Swiss chard, to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the squash is tender. About 20 minutes. Stir in the Swiss chard and simmer until chard is tender. Enjoy!

TIP: If you don't have time to make an appetizer before the party, eat a light, healthy dinner prior to leaving your house.

 

MAIN COURSE

If you are the one hosting, here are some healthy main course ideas that are sure to please every single guest.

INGREDIENTS:

1 c cauliflower (1/2 cauliflower head)

2 zucchinis

1 red bell pepper

1 medium yellow onion

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 cloves of minced garlic

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 lb turkey or chicken sausage; recommended brand is Aidell's

Dash of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Remove the stem and seeds from 1 red pepper and cut it into slices. Peel and cut 1 medium onion. Remove the casing from 1 pound of sausage and cut into 1 inch chunks. Put all of these ingredients into a large plastic bag. Add the salt, pepper, crushed garlic and honey. Then mix in the olive oil. Empty the bag evenly on to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, give it all a stir and stick it back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes or until everything is crispy and roasted. Serve and enjoy.

  • Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Casserole (recipe below, courtesy of Alicia Skodol)

INGREDIENTS:

3 lb. Spaghetti Squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 lb. of lean turkey meat

1 clove garlic minced

32 oz. of organic marinara sauce (buy or make your own)

1 tsp sea salt or himalayan salt

Ground pepper to taste

2 c low-fat mozzarella cheese

2 eggs

1⁄2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried basil

1⁄2 tsp onion powder

1⁄2 tsp salt

1⁄2 tsp red crushed pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake the squash on baking sheet for 1

hour. Once baked remove from heat and cool. Scrape the cooled squash

with a fork and pour the squash into a greased 9 X13 baking pan or dish.

In a bowl mix the cheese, egg and her spices. Set aside.

In large skillet combine olive oil, meat and garlic and cook until browned.

Remove from heat and drain any fat. Then add the marinara sauce, salt

and pepper. Pour the meat over the spaghetti squash. Then top the with cheese layer.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

 

DESSERTS

If you are willing to be adventurous in the dessert category, we’ve found some lighter recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

 

We hope these recipes offer some fresh ideas on how to stay on track as we celebrate the holiday season. In the kitchen trying out one of these recipes? Make sure to post your creation on social media and tag #RiseGlenEllynRecipes

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