Curated by:

Carly Cameron
Vie Nutritionist & Coach

The holidays are upon us, which means quality time with family and friends enjoying rich meals and sweet treats. Certified Nutritionist, Coach Carly Cameron, is here to tell us how to enjoy the festivities while sticking with our goals and making healthful choices. Yes, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too!

In this blog, Carly shares her favorite healthy alternatives to traditional holiday recipes. These dishes are nutritious and delicious!

First, let’s start with a few of Carly’s tips for how to approach holiday meals:

• Give yourself grace. During the holidays, we have the opportunity to eat fun foods we don’t regularly make for ourselves, which can tempt us to load up and eat more than we should. Coach Carly reminds us that this is okay. How often do we get to have a Thanksgiving meal? It’s okay to over-indulge every once in a while.
• Create a balanced plate. To maximize nutrients, load up on the veggies first and fun foods last. Create a balanced meal: ½ the plate veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ grain.
• Drink lots of water. Having plenty of water with meals prevents overeating, bloating and discomfort.
• Listen to your body. Our hunger cues kick in and let us know when we are full. Just because your plate has food on it, doesn’t mean you HAVE to eat it all.
• Portion size is key. Sample all the fun foods and take leftovers. 
• Experiment with healthy alternatives. There are plenty of clean, nutritious alternatives to our favorite holiday dishes. You might just find that they are better than the original!

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– Appetizers –

Carly’s Tips: Include a protein, vegetable or fruit with every appetizer. Focus on whole foods (vs. processed) that are bright, colorful, and rich in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Choose low-fat cheeses, quality meats and healthy oils (ex. olive oil). 

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED PEARS
View recipe here.

CANDY CANE CAPRESE BOARD
View recipe here.

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– Sides –

Carly’s Tips: Sweet potatoes are a perfect side dish. Their superpower micronutrient, Vitamin A, keeps our immune system strong. The skin adds extra fiber for improved gut health. When a recipe calls for oil or butter, olive oil is the best choice. Avoid high-fat vegetable, canola, and coconut oils. 

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
View recipe here.

GREEN BEAN ALMONDINE
View recipe here.

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– Stuffing –

Carly’s Tips: Stuffing is an opportunity to get creative. Throw whatever veggies and whole grains you have into a dish and truly make it your own. Choose lean meats instead of full-fat sausages. Add additional veggies to elevate the dish and create a well-balanced meal.

WILD RICE + SAUSAGE STUFFING
View recipe here.

QUINOA SWEET POTATO STUFFING
View recipe here.

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– Mains –

Carly’s Tips: Baking, broiling, and grilling are healthy options for preparing meat. Avoid unnecessary saturated fats by skipping the deep fryer and choose lean meats over fatty. Lentils and beans are great alternatives to animal protein for hearty main dishes.

ROSEMARY ROASTED TURKEY BREAST
View recipe here.

VEGAN LENTIL SOUP
View recipe here.

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– Desserts –

Carly’s Tips: Desserts can be nutritious! Seek out alternatives to refined sugars. Dates, honey, and apple sauce are good choices. Aim for whole food ingredients that include healthy fats and proteins.

BAKED PEARS WITH CRANBERRIES
View recipe here.

NO BAKE PEPPERMINT BALLS
View recipe here.

Do you have a favorite healthy holiday recipe to share?

Please leave a comment below!