Holiday Recipe Round Up
The average American gains 1-2 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Doesn't sound like much? Well, the issue is most people never take it off resulting in that steady weight increase many experience in adulthood.
With holiday parties coming up we always encourage clients to take time to strategize and plan how they will indulge. Often clients set the goal to maintain their progress during the holidays, not lose, and that is a perfectly acceptable goal.
The key things to remember-
- Do not treat every celebration or party as a "day off plan" or you will undo your progress. Look at your calendar for the week and the month and pick 2-3 special moments where you will indulge, mindfully.
- Get rid of leftovers! Give them to your neighbors, doorman, or a local fire or police station.
- At every meal make half your plate green leafy or cruciferous vegetables and eat that portion first. Drink a full glass of water before every meal or snack.
- Never succumb to "family dog syndrome" where you eat bites and scraps as you cook or clean up. Treat food and your body respectfully and enjoy it seated, on a plate.
- Watch the booze! Wine in particular can lead to sugar cravings and a snack spiral. Stick to clear spirits with seltzer.
The following recipes are "cleaner" versions but are still considered treats and should not be consumed as part of a regular meal plan. Remember that even "on plan" foods can cause weight gain as they can be heavier in nut based flours. We would love for you to experiment with some of these healthier alternatives at your family gatherings, but please be mindful that the leftovers don't linger for days or you will stall your progress.
HANUKAH
Carrot Scallion Latkes - a healthy twist on the original
French Onion Brisket with Porcini Mushrooms
Apple Fritters- Sub Choc Zero Maple syrup
Homemade Applesauce- Use ChocZero Honey
Paleo Sufganiyot- Fill with this maple cream. Use ChocZero maple syrup
Paleo Apple Kugel- Use ChocZero Honey
BRUNCH
Overnight Breakfast Casserole- Use nitrate free Turkey Sausage and light coconut milk
Strawberries and Cream Crepes- Use ChocZero honey and light coconut milk
Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes- Drizzle with ChocZero maple syrup or coconut whipped cream
Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread- Use Lily's or ChocZero chocolate
MAINS
Grass Fed Garlic Rosemary Roast Beef
Kale and Herb Stuffed Meatballs
Spiced Salmon with Coconut and Cashew Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Chili with Butternut Squash
SIDES
Harvest Casserole- This "stuffing" type casserole with chicken sausage, fresh herbs, cauliflower rice and apples is a great and filling meal. Omit dried cranberries
Savory Pumpkin Muffins with Apple and Sage a delicious savory side
Garlic Cauliflower Puree- Use Avocado oil in lieu of ghee, add a splash of light coconut milk and tablespoon nutritional yeast.
SWEETS + TREATS
Perfect Sugar Cookies. Use coconut oil in place of ghee
Peppermint Truffles- Perfect to take to a. cookie swap
APPS + BITES
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms- Use Primal Kitchen avocado mayonnaise
Buffalo Chicken Dip- Substitute Primal Kitchen Mayonnaise and reduce by half. Limit to 2 tbsp
Cauliflower Bites with Sweet N Spicy Sauce- Sub ChocZero Honey
Healthy Blooming Onion with Dipping Sauce