The holiday season is full of fun, festivities, and feasting. It can be easy to treat yourself more than a few times during the many celebrations and accidentally get off track with your fitness goals. As you prepare for the holiday parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and family potlucks, consider learning how to make tasty meals that don’t sacrifice all your weight loss progress.
Our team at BMI Surgery discusses our favorite healthy holiday appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts. Host a fantastic dinner party, or bring the fan-favorite dish, while still being health-conscious with these 4 recipes.
Holiday Appetizer: Sweet Potato Chips with Black Olive Tapenade
Swap your traditional cheese and cracker hors d’oeuvres for this easy and tasty recipe! Food Network’s sweet potato chips with olive tapenade only require 5 ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, black olives, scallions, and tomatoes. With its satisfying crunch and delectable toppings, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
These holiday starters are so flavorful you won’t even notice the traditional cheese balls or deep-fried appetizers. Check out some of our other favorite holiday appetizers:
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites
- Caprese Salad Kabobs
Holiday Side Dish: Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions
This recipe is a must-try if you’re craving green bean casserole but want a healthier alternative. The balsamic green beans with pearl onions from Southern Living are healthy but still flavorful. This recipe can feed a crowd, satisfying everyone’s savory yet sweet appetite. Pair this delicious side with turkey, ham, chicken, beef, and more for a carb-conscious holiday side dish. And best of all, it only takes 20 minutes to prepare!
Swap out your carb-heavy favorite for a lighter, health-conscious option. Check out some of our other favorite holiday side dishes:
- Skillet Squash Blossom
- Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Holiday Entree
Ditch the sodium-filled meats or bland health-conscious entrees with Food Network’s mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin. This entree is less than 330 calories per serving and takes only forty-five minutes to cook. A bit of a twist on traditional pork tenderloin, the mushroom, garlic, and lemon zest adds another mouthwatering flavor to your holiday plate.
Enjoy a main course with more flavor than a traditional, health-conscious grilled chicken entree. Check out some of our other favorite holiday entrees:
- Citrus-Roasted Salmon
- Mom’s Tuna-Pasta Casserole
Holiday Dessert
Last but certainly not least is everyone’s favorite— dessert! For many of us, when the dessert tray comes around is when it’s hardest to stick to our goals. But with this recipe from Country Living, you won’t even feel like you’re missing out. This chocolate-cinnamon marble bread pairs perfectly with coffee and will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. And this dessert is versatile, so you can use as much or as little sugar as you like.
If you like chocolate or you enjoy something more fruity, each of these calorie-conscious desserts offers something extra sweet. Check out some of our other favorite holiday desserts:
- Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
- Lemon Icebox Bars
Maintain Your Healthy Lifestyle with BMI Surgery
With these tips and tricks, you can feel your best this holiday season. Try these recipes out at your next dinner party or potluck for a tasty meal without compromising your weight loss goals. If you want to learn more about maintaining your weight loss after surgery, our experts at BMI Surgery can provide knowledgeable advice, quality care, and exceptional results. Dr. Long and his staff are well-versed in weight loss maintenance and can help you reach your goals through quality care, minimally invasive procedures, and long-lasting results.
Achieve Your Dream Body for the Holiday Season
Proudly serving the Birmingham area, BMI Surgery specializes in various weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeve, LAP-BAND, and more. Our team can help you achieve your dream body just in time for the holidays and help you maintain it. Call us at 205-858-1211 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!
