It’s Christmas time, a season to rejoice, rejoice, spread its warmth and light, and of course aim to be as close to our health goals as possible, but without forgetting the fun!
Yes, it’s one of our favorite holidays! We appreciate the hearty meals, full of accompaniments and DESSERT! (There’s nothing quite like Christmas cakes and desserts!!)
We generally enjoy traditional Christmas meals, but we love that so many of you wish for a healthy Christmas!
So to make your Christmas healthy, HealthifyMe has compiled a list of your favorite healthy Christmas recipes, with easy-to-find ingredients brought together in a simple step-by-step method.
Some key recipes for this Merry Christmas you will find below:-
Receipts
1. Chicken Christmas Sandwich with Chunks
Enjoy this quick and easy big sandwich for Christmas morning breakfast; layered with last night’s delicious leftovers:-
Ingredients:-
- 2 slices of thick baguette bread
- 4-5 grilled chicken strips
- 2-3 slices of Cucumber
- Tomato (2-3 slices)
- 2-3 lettuce leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons of avocado spread
- 1 pinch of cracked pepper for seasoning
Method:
- Step 1: Spread the avocado on both baguette slices and begin the process of layering the sandwich.
- Step 2: layer lettuce first, then add grilled chicken strips, cucumber slices and tomato, finish with a pinch of freshly ground pepper!
- Step 3: Sit back, relax and enjoy this sandwich followed by a cup of herbal tea.
2. Christmas Breakfast Casserole
When opening presents, enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired Christmas morning stew. Breakfast casseroles are ideal for feeding a large group, and you can speed up the preparation by cutting the bread into pieces the night before.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh spinach
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 cups low fat milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 5 medium eggs
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 12 oz. rustic whole-wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
Instructions:
Step 1: Squeeze the spinach in a clean tea towel over the sink to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. In a medium mixing dish, combine drained spinach and chopped carrots.
2nd step: In a small skillet over low heat, add a drizzle of oil and lightly sauté the tomatoes, garlic and crushed red pepper with a pinch of lemon zest. When the garlic turns golden, add the spinach and carrot mixture, for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 4: Combine milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Combine spinach-carrot mixture, feta and bread in a mixing bowl. Gently stir the bread until it absorbs the milk mixture. Fill a 13-inch by 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish halfway with the mixture. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake for 35 minutes or until set and golden. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Serves
About 1 cup
Nutritional profile:
277 calories; 14.4g protein; 30.5g carbohydrates; 4.8g dietary fibre; sugars 6.3 g lipids 9.9 g; saturated fat 4.5g; cholesterol 136mg; vitamin A 4746.9 IU; vitamin C 4.8mg; folic acid 126.7 mcg; calcium 258.3mg; iron 1.8mg; magnesium 61.8mg; potassium 542.2mg; sodium 498.4mg; thiamine 0.1 mg.
3. Chocolate with frozen dates
This is such an easy to make, yet nutritious dessert that it will add a lot of cheer and joy to your Christmas celebrations:-
Ingredients:
- 10-15 de-seeded dates (number depends on your guest list, each will have 2-3)
- Melted chocolate (can melt in a bain-marie)
Method:
- Step: 1 Take each date and roll it in melted chocolate
- Step: 2 Place the rolled chocolate date on the tray and keep aligning the tray until all the dates are finished
- Step: 3 Place the tray in the freezer
- Step: 4 Remove within hours and enjoy!
4. Chocolate Coconut Chrissie Cake
This cake is tasty and delicious for a family Christmas meal. This easy to cook
the cake has delicious almond milk, pecans and toasted coconut as a filling!
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 1 package (15.87 ounces) chocolate cake mix.
- 1 cup lightly stirred almond milk.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1 cup coconut flakes (toast a few flakes for the final garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Set the oven to 350°F. Spray cooking spray in a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, almond milk, olive oil and eggs. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut and pecans until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Add remaining 1/2 cup coconut evenly.
2nd step: Bake for 23 to 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Wait two hours for the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, garnish with toasted coconut and cut into squares.
Serves
1/2 kg (500g) (For 3-5 people)
Nutritional profile: (per 100g)
160 calories; fat 26.96 g; carbs 4.78g; dietary fiber 1.6g; protein 5.56g; sugars 3.48g.
Christmas is a season of immense joy and excitement that we share with our loved ones. So, use the aforementioned simple and healthy recipes to spread your joy and love.
Merry Christmas!!
