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
