The holidays are a time to indulge in your favorite treats and meals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak some healthy ingredients into your favorite dishes.
Whether you’re preparing family meals, festive cocktails, or desserts, there are simple swaps that add nutritional value without compromising on taste.
With a little creativity, you can enjoy holiday flavors while staying on track with your health goals.
Sarah Bowmar, a renowned fitness enthusiast, advocate for healthy living, and co-owner of Bowmar Fitness and Bowmar Nutrition, shares some delicious ways to elevate holiday classics using healthy ingredients.
1. Breakfast Casserole with a Protein Boost
Holiday mornings are often busy and filled with plenty of festivities. That’s why making breakfast casseroles is a smart choice for many families, especially if you’re entertaining guests.
They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, and everyone can enjoy them together. However, traditional breakfast casseroles can be high in fats and simple carbs.
Swap tip: Add more lean proteins and vegetables. Use turkey sausage or lean ground turkey instead of pork sausage, and throw in extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
For a protein-packed twist, add Bowmar Nutrition’s Protein Powder, like the Biscuits & Gravy flavor, for a healthy boost in protein that works well in savory dishes.
Just add a scoop to the egg mixture for extra nutrition without changing the taste.
And for another breakfast to take on the go, try this recipe for biscuits and gravy egg cups.
2. Holiday Cocktails with a Healthy Twist
Holiday parties wouldn’t be the same without festive drinks. Unfortunately, many of them are loaded with sugar. The good news? With a few changes, you can create tasty cocktails that won’t derail your healthy habits.
Swap tip: Replace sugary mixers with lower-calorie alternatives and incorporate fresh ingredients. For example, Bowmar Nutrition’s Apple Cider Mimosa is a great option for a healthier holiday drink.
Instead of using regular apple cider, opt for a sugar-free version or make your own using fresh apples and spices like cinnamon and cloves.
This crowd-pleaser is made with EAAs, a Bowmar Nutrition supplement that helps muscles, boost energy levels, and support overall healthy bodily functions. So go ahead and indulge!
This fall-inspired drink makes integrating these crucial nutrients into your daily routine easy.
3. Pumpkin Spice Everything: Desserts Made Healthier
Pumpkin spice is synonymous with fall and winter holidays, but it often comes loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Whether you’re making pumpkin pie, muffins, or lattes, you can use nutrient-rich ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Swap tip: Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of refined sugar. Or try Bowmar Nutrition’s Protein Pumpkin Spice in your desserts for more protein.
This not only adds a delicious seasonal flavor but also boosts the protein content of treats like pumpkin bread, cookies, or even pumpkin-flavored protein balls, like pumpkin snickerdoodle pumpkin bites.
Fitness and wellness guru Sarah Bowmar suggests, “You can also replace some of the butter or oil in your baked goods with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining moisture and texture.
And check out this decadent dessert recipe for protein pumpkin cheesecake brownies. Yum!
4. Healthier Holiday Sides
Traditional holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole, are often heavy on carbs and fats. However, you can make your favorite classic dishes lighter and more nutrient-dense with a few tweaks.
Swap tip: For mashed potatoes, consider using half potatoes and half cauliflower. This combination lowers the carb content while maintaining the creamy texture everyone loves.
You can also swap out heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk and add Bowmar Nutrition’s Collagen Peptides for healthy nails, hair, and cartilage, making the dish more nutritious without adding extra calories.
For stuffing, try incorporating whole grain or sprouted bread instead of white bread, and load it up with vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots. You can also sneak in some omega-3-rich flaxseeds or chia seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
And don’t miss out on Sarah’s recipe for Garlic Dijon Antelope Tenderloins with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes! It’s the perfect addition to any holiday table.
5. Desserts with a Sneaky Health Boost
Let’s face it: dessert is a highlight of any holiday meal, but you can enjoy these treats without overindulging in unhealthy ingredients.
Swap tip: Traditional cookies and cakes can be made healthier by substituting white flour with almond or oat flour. Additionally, Bowmar Nutrition’s Frosted Cookie Protein is an excellent way to add flavor and protein to holiday cookies.
You can also reduce the sugar content by using natural sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol, which won’t spike blood sugar levels.
Not in the mood to bake? No problem. Check out these delicious pre-made protein cookies.
For more inspiration, check out these creative recipes like protein pumpkin spice ice cream sandwiches that satisfy your sweet tooth while providing healthy nutritional benefits.
The holidays are a time for celebration, but with a few simple ingredient swaps and the right products, you can enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising your health goals.
Bowmar Nutrition offers a variety of supplements and recipes that make it easy to sneak extra nutrients into your holiday meals.
By incorporating protein powders, collagen peptides, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, you can turn your festive meals into healthier, more balanced options that the whole family will love.