The cold weather is a perfect time for snuggling up in a warm blanket and eating a generous portion of comfort food! While on Thanksgiving and Christmas break, I eat the butter, sugar and fat loaded dishes I choose to make healthier alternatives during the weeks in between so these gluttonous days don’t throw off my healthy habits! Here are some of my favorite meal ideas to warm up your holidays!
Breakfast-
Pumpkin oatmeal:
This is a simple breakfast that is perfect for a morning you don’t have much time. Start with your favorite cinnamon instant oatmeal (I like lower-sugar Quaker Oats Cinnamon Spice or Oat Fit Cinnamon Roll). Mix together with just a little less water than the package tells you—maybe a tablespoon or two less—then add two heaping spoonfuls of pumpkin puree. Stir and heat for the time recommended, I would stir halfway through. Top with mini dark chocolate chips, nuts, or enjoy as is for a satisfying breakfast!
Butternut Squash Hash:
If you have a bit more time this breakfast is full of power and great for a brunch when the afternoon involves a bunch of studying. First you’re going to want to roast a butternut squash. Usually, I spend some free time earlier during the week to cook the squash then have leftovers for a whole week. WARNING: this does take time so its not for the super-hungry-right-now.
Here is a recipe that will guide you through the simple process (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Roasted-Butternut-Squash/detail.aspx). In a large skillet toss in some chopped spinach or kale until they are wilted then add in frozen chopped veggies. Kroger has a great selection of special mixes. I usually pick ones with onions, celery and carrots for this dish. When they look thawed throw in the roasted squash. It is ready to eat when warm! Adding fried egg on top is always a great idea and if you want meat, I recommend bacon!
Entrees-
Lasagna:
My mom, like most moms I know, knows how to make incredible lasagna. This time we’re going to get rid of the noodles and opt for zucchini so that food baby afterwards isn’t quite as large. If you do know someone that makes the perfect lasagna, follow their recipe (usually layers and layers of cheese, meat and tomato sauce) but instead of lasagna noodles use a veggie peeler to make thick slices of zucchini that will substitute perfectly.
Soups: This article has great soups that are perfect for the fall! I especially love the cauliflower and kale soup. I tried it last week and was so surprised with how easy it was! (http://greatist.com/health/best-recipes-111813)
Fried “rice”:
I love sneaking in veggies every time I can and this is an easy recipe to do just that. First break apart a head of cauliflower and a cup or so at a time place in a blender then pulse on a low setting. You will notice it looks like rice! In a skillet put a little bit of olive oil and start cooking up some more frozen veggies: this time I would use an onion, pea and carrot mix. Next, crack a couple eggs in the pan and scramble with all the veggies in there. Add the cauliflower “rice” and soy sauce (low sodium). After a couple minutes, it should be all warm and ready to eat. You can always add some chopped chicken or any other meat of your choice.
Sweet tooth-
FRUIT:
Right now I’m loving chocolate… but when is that not the case?? When I need a chocolate fix I cut a pear in quarters and sprinkle with unsweetened chocolate powder. If you’re a little nervous of the harsher coco flavor spread a little almond butter on it as well, but don’t over do it, pears right now are extra juicy and sweet.
Apples are just beginning to end their season so you better run to the store and pick up the good ones before they’re gone. Then slice and top with a little plain hummus and a little cheddar cheese. This covers, sweet, salty and creamy cravings! Talk about a power snack!