grantguru01 
Sharing some homemade Christmas food ideas if you’re planning the festivities!
Hello friends! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We had our Fighter Group Christmas party, I taught a barre class, and I watched The bad guy the third time. I will see it one more time in theaters – I think the Pilot is a must see! The girls and I also started a holiday baking party and made peppermint bark and peanut butter flowers.
I’m starting to plan our holiday menu and I’m trying to share side ideas. Of course, my favorite part of the holidays is spending time with family, but good food comes in 2 😉 Main dishes always take center stage, along with desserts, but side dishes are an easy way to add color and nutrition. I love side dishes that are easy to prepare or can be made ahead of time, and these options check all the boxes!
Here is our list of holidays this year:
Brunch:
Fruit salad
Coffee, mimosas, dessert
Dinner:
Mashed potatoes
Green salad
Mulled wine and champagne
Dessert tray – Christmas cookies, your log
*What you need to know here is where we get our meat from ButcherBox (<- this link gets you free beef for life!) and I'm ordering the block from gf's bakery
10 Healthy Homemade Christmas Recipes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Potatoes are a staple of the holidays, and this dish turns into a hearty casserole that feels good but is packed with nutrients.
Why it’s good: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, this dish is perfect with grilled meat or vegetables.
Health Checks: Sweet potatoes contain fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
The delicious recipe has arrived!
I also like mashed potatoes with cinnamon and butter.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Brussels sprouts get a festive boost with tart cranberries and crumbled pecans, making this a perfect Christmas dinner recipe.
Why it’s good: The combination of earthy sprouts, sweet cranberries, and pecans is irresistible.
Health Checks: Brussels sprouts are a source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s funny to me that growing up, Brussels sprouts sound like the worst vegetable. When I tried them (maybe in the 20s?) I was like wait. These things are amazing.
Garlic and Herb Mixture of Cauliflower and Potatoes
This delicious cauliflower dish is a great twist on mashed potatoes and a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs.
Why it’s good: It’s colorful, delicious, and pairs beautifully with any Christmas course. I like to use an immersion blender to make it super smooth.
Health Checks: Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamin C and phytonutrients.
Citrus and Fennel Salad
Light up your Christmas spread with a refreshing and delicious salad with oranges, fennel, and arugula.
Why it’s good: A light and citrusy side dish that cleanses the palate and balances out heavy meals.
Health Checks: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Roasted Balsamic Vinegar
This is a simple but beautiful dish combines root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with a light balsamic glaze.
Why it’s good: The light caramelized balsamic salt adds a flavor that pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables.
Health Checks: Root vegetables are full of fiber and important vitamins such as beta-carotene.
Here is an easy way.
Glazed Maple Carrots and Thyme
Bright, sweet, and a little sweet, these carrots add color to your Christmas table while being easy to prepare.
Why They Are Great: The natural flavor of the carrots pairs well with the brightness of the maple syrup, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. In addition, they contain beta-carotene and fiber.
It goes well with: Fried chicken or meat cooked with honey.
Healthy Tips: Swap the butter for olive oil to make this dish healthier.
Beef Rice and Cranberry Salad
A refreshing yet delicious dish that is perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Why They Are Great: This delicious salad combines wild rice, tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a meal that’s full of texture and flavor. Also full of antioxidants and whole grains.
It goes well with: Stuffed or roasted squash.
Healthy Tips: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce added sugar.
Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks
The beautiful cauliflower dish speaks boldly and pleases both vegetarians and meat lovers.
Why They Are Great: Cauliflower is a low-carb, nutrient-dense dish, and the Parmesan crust adds just the right amount of satiety.
It goes well with: Prime rib or fried chicken.
Pomegranate and Citrus Kale Salad
A light and refreshing salad that balances the heaviness of other Christmas dishes.
Main Reason: Pomegranate seeds add zest, while a citrus vinaigrette brightens up the recipe.
It goes well with: Fried fish or fried fish.
Healthy Tips: Mix it beforehand with olive oil to prevent it from drying out and to make it easy to digest.
This looks strong and delicious.
Herbed Quinoa Pilaf With Toasted Almonds
A versatile and nutrient-rich side that brings a light, nutty flavor to your Christmas table.
Main Reason: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians. The combination of fresh herbs and crushed almonds gives it a fun and exciting, festive flavor.
It goes well with: Grilled fish, grilled salmon, or portobello mushrooms.
Healthy Tips: Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet and savory twist.
Ic it looks light and delicious and is something you can make ahead of time.
How to Eat Well at Christmas
Being healthy at Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the fun – but remember it’s what’s going on in your routine the other 364 days of the year.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays without compromising your health goals:
List the pages first: Load up your plate with nutrient-dense sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or a salad before diving into the heavy meals. To keep my blood sugar stable, I like to eat vegetables first, protein, then carbs.
Check your portion sizes: Eat carefully, enjoy the company around you, and stop when you are satisfied.
Be quick: Incorporate movement into your day, whether it’s a walk with the family after dinner or a morning yoga session. I love it Sculpture Society quick exercises at home.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid the effects of hunger pangs and to dilute any cocktails.
Eating protein: I feel like holiday dinners have protein as a big part, so load.up!
See more tips on how to stay healthy on vacation Here.
Many of our favorite holiday foods are here!
So tell me, friends: are you cooking this year? What’s on the menu? Please share goods in the comment section! Do you eat holiday meals or go? One year we did a Chinese dinner with my dad and it was amazing, and when we lived in Valdosta we had waves and waves.
xoxo
Gina
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