In her weekly column, licensed nutritionist Nonnie DeLong suggests some of the classic holiday alternatives that contain sugar.
Readers
This week’s question is a must-have question at this time of year from clients who are trying to keep their holidays from becoming too disturbing to their diet. Holidays are often filled with food and drink gatherings. Even if you don’t have a holiday party, you tend to overdo sweets and carbs. To help with that, I’m trying to share some of my favorite healthier solutions for the celebration. We hope you enjoy these things.
Grasshopper No Bake Chocolate Mint Bar
I found a great recipe for a bar substitute with avocado and dark cocoa. If you like the combination of chocolate and mint, this is great! These bars combine chocolate, coconut, healthy fats and peppermint extract with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a very satisfying treat for those who are trying to reduce sugar but still have sweets here and there. You don’t have to bake them, they are very creamy, and they are stored in the freezer indefinitely! Double or triple the recipe. Otherwise you will be sad!
Find the recipe here.
OMG Organic Hay Stack
Do you remember the haystack? They are essentially no-bake drop cookies that are mixed and cooled with parchment or paraffin paper. We made them as kids because they are so easy and tolerant! Well, this is my updated, super-healthy version, which beats the original in terms of taste! I have never met someone who doesn’t love these! Contains nuts, coconut, organic oats, organic cocoa, and coconut oil, so it’s chewy and melts all at once! Okay, enough introduction. Don’t forget to get the organic ingredients to make these really shine!
Find the recipe here.
Almond butter bliss
Sounds boring. This is because I have never tried this homemade salty nut butter. But then you can see why friends call it a “crack in the bottle”. It is delicious and smooth, with a lot of protein and healthy fat. I enjoy it as an appetizer or snack with celery sticks. Remember to remove the almonds from the oven before they appear to be finished. Otherwise, they will overdo it.
Find the recipe here.
Sticky goodness brownie
These brownies are not only better than any traditional brownie you have tried, but also very healthy! They contain healthy omega 3, medium-chain triglycerides, and fiber. With honey and cocoa hits, they are the perfect food for pre-workout energy.
The recipe says that it can be divided into 12 brownies, so it will be 12 brownies. In fact, my house offers two. I get two before my son disappears in the pot. So if you’re sharing and want to have more than just the taste before it’s gone, be sure to keep a spare (read the secret) in the freezer!
Find the recipe here.
Bacon-Jalapeño Devil Egg
Again, it sounds simple. But when you add crispy bacon and spicy jalapeno pickles to the mayonnaise, you get this incredible flavor profile. And who doesn’t love deviled eggs?
Find the recipe here.
Ketochapuri slider
This is a favorite variation of Afghanistan. They are mild, salty, and very aromatic and flavorful. For best results, cook in a hot pan with lard or tallow (cast iron is best). If you’re grilling, melt the fat and brush the meat before you start. The best way to cook them is to pinch the edges and make them a little crunchy there, or shape them with flat iron-to make them crunchy again. I do mine like a mini flat iron burger. Very cute on the tray on the nice lettuce leaves, and they are so flavorful that no seasoning is needed!
Find the recipe here.
Broccoli, bacon and grape salad
This sounds like the previous salad is wrong, doesn’t it? Who mixes fruits with broccoli or bacon? Well, it turned out to be an absolute hit for everyone I’ve ever offered it! Sounds crazy, but it’s delicious-a little sweet, a little salty, crunchy, and creamy all at the same time. And using Avocadomyo will make you even healthier. This can be done the day before and requires little preparation. Give it a try, and it will soon become a new family holiday favorite!
Find the recipe here.
Here are some other recipe suggestions that I really like on vacation:
We hope these will inspire you to try some new things this holiday season to make your holiday food healthier for the whole family. And I hope you will come to understand that healthy foods taste better, or often better, than their sweet and unhealthy counterparts. Try these recipes and let us know what you think!
As always, readers can send me a question at nonienutritionista@gmail.com or find me online at hopenotdope.ca. happy holiday!
Namaste!
Nony Nutritinista
