Okay, so we’ve just gotten over the turkey slump and it is full force into the comfort foods of Christmas. This time of year is all about giving and getting that second helping of grandma’s cheesecake. Seeing as this is a time of indulgence when it comes to what we’re eating I’ve created a list of healthier options to keep you on track!
Banana Ice-Cream
One of my favorites, banana ice-cream is a quick and easy fix to satisfy that sweet tooth – guilt free! Take a few ripe bananas and freeze them (normally takes about 3 hours), toss them into a blender with a couple dashes of milk (almond milk would be my suggestion), and blend for about 1-2 minutes. You will want the consistency to be thicker than a smoothie. Easy as that and you have some guilt free ice-cream! Add crushed almonds, pecans, peanut butter, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Avocado
The avocado has taken over my life and I have never been happier. I think I add avocado to just about everything I eat. It’s an awesome substitute for mayo in tuna, butter on toast, even sauce on pasta! I start every day with hard boiled eggs, avocado, and spinach. There are so many things you can do with avocado, so get creative! Even just stick a spoon in it and you have the perfect snack.
Spaghetti Squash
One of the trendier veggie alternatives in 2015, spaghetti squash is one of the better things that has happened to me. People tend to get intimidated by these but I swear it’s easy to make, tastes great leftover, and will make you never want pasta again.
- Preheat oven to 375 – 400 degrees
- Cut squash in half right down the middle (the hot dog way)
- Take olive oil and brush it over the squash (flat side)
- I add some salt and pepper for taste
- Toss on a cookie sheet with the flat side down and cook for 30 minutes
- Check once time is up with a fork to see if it’s ready (flip squash over and comb through)
- If the squash is ready you will easily be able to comb through it, if not cook it for 15 minutes longer
- Once squash is ready comb through both sides and take however much you want to eat
- Top with marinara sauce, additional vegetables, feta cheese, or grilled chicken. Whatever suits your fancy – enjoy!
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are my favorite potatoes, no matter how they’re cooked. I tried this once and fell in love with the taste. You can bake, sauté, or grill sweet potatoes; I tend to grill them. Cut them into thin slices, cook them the way you wish, toss them in a garlic salt or seasoning power, add some parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Veggies
Being fortunate enough to live so close to the Hay Market which takes place in Boston every Friday and Saturday I have the opportunity to keep my body and wallet happy every week. My everyday lunch and dinner has consisted of a mix of vegetables for the past year, normally a combination of broccoli, Brussel sprouts, green, red or yellow peppers, onions, and spinach. What I am eating varies, however it’s always within the same family. Every morning I sauté a mix of fresh vegetables in a sauce pan with a little olive oil, toss it in a container and head out. I find that it’s an easy, healthy option for a meal and it fills me up!