In this week’s Ask the Nutritionist column, Nonie De Long suggests a few substitutes for these sugary, high-carbohydrate holiday foods
Dear Readers, This week’s question is always asked by customers at this time of year who try not to interfere with their eating habits during the holidays. The holidays are often filled with get-togethers over food and drink – and even without Christmas parties, we tend to overdo it with sweets and carbohydrates. To help with this, I’m trying to share some of my favorite healthier solutions for partying. I hope you enjoy this /
Grasshopper No-Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
I came up with an amazing bar substitute recipe that uses avocados and dark cocoa. If you like the chocolate and mint combo this one is amazing! These bars combine chocolate, coconut, healthy fat and peppermint extract with just the right amount of sweetness. A very satisfying treat for those trying to cut back on sugar but still have something sweet here and there. They don’t need to be baked, they are super creamy and will last indefinitely in the freezer! Double or triple the recipe. You will be sad if you don’t!
You can find the recipe here.
OMG organic haystack
Do you remember haystack They’re essentially a no-bake-drop cookie that you mix up and chill on parchment or waxed paper. We made them as kids because they are so easy and forgiving! Well this is my updated super healthy version and it beats the original in terms of taste! I’ve never met a person who doesn’t love this one! They contain nuts, coconut, organic oats, organic cocoa, and coconut oil – so they’re tough and melty at the same time! Okay, enough introduction. Remember to use organic ingredients to really make these shine!
You can find the recipe here.
Almond Butter Bliss
Sounds boring right? That’s because you’ve never tried this homemade salty-sweet nut butter. But once you do, you’ll see why friends call it a “crack in a jar”. It’s deliciously smooth, yet high in protein and healthy fats at the same time. I enjoy it on celery stalks as a starter or snack. Remember to take the almonds out of the oven before they appear ready. They’ll taste over the top if you don’t.
You can find the recipe here.
Gooey Goodness Brownies
Not only are these brownies better than any regular brownies you’ve tried, but they’re extremely healthy too! They’re loaded with healthy omega-3s and medium-chain triglycerides, as well as fiber. With hints of honey and cocoa, they are perfect pre-workout energy foods.
The recipe says it serves 12 because you can divide them into 12 brownies. In reality it serves two in my house. I get two before my son disappears with the pan. So when you share, make sure to keep a (secret) stash in the freezer in case you want more than a sample before they’re gone!
You can find the recipe here.
Bacon-Jalapeno Devilled Eggs
Sounds easy again. But when you add the crispy bacon and flavorful pickled jalapenos to the mayo, you get this incredible flavor profile. And who doesn’t love devil eggs?
You can find the recipe here.
Keto Chaplee Slider
This is a variation on an Afghan favorite. They are mild, salty and very aromatic and spicy. Cook in a hot pan (cast iron is best) with lard or tallow for best results. If you’re doing it on the grill, melt the fat and brush it onto the meat before starting. The best way to cook them is to shape them so that the edges are pinched in and you get a bit of crispy there or with a flat iron – again for the crispy. I make mine like mini flat iron burgers. They’re super cute on a tray on a lovely lettuce leaf, and they’re so fragrant that you don’t need any seasoning at all!
You can find the recipe here.
Broccoli, bacon and grape salad
That make-ahead salad sounds wrong, doesn’t it? Who mixes fruit with broccoli or bacon? Well it turns out to be an absolute hit with everyone I’ve ever served it! Sounds crazy, but it’s delicious – slightly sweet, slightly salty, crispy and creamy at the same time. And if you use avocado mayo, it’s even healthier. This can be done a day in advance and doesn’t require a lot of preparation. Try it out and it will quickly become a new family vacation favorite!
You can find the recipe here.
Other recipe suggestions that I really love for the holidays include:
I hope these inspire you to try some new things this holiday season to make your Christmas foods healthier for the whole family. And I hope you will appreciate that healthy food tastes just as good – or often better – than its over-sweetened, unhealthy counterparts. Try these recipes and let me know what you think!
As always, readers can send their questions to nonienutritionista@gmail.com or find me online at hopenotdope.ca. Happy Holidays!
Namasté!
Nonie nutritionist
