Festive, Delicious & Healthy Recipes for the Holidays

by | Dec 16, 2014 | Healthy Food Options

All this wonderful and tempting food during the holidays, deliciously prepared ham and turkey, those mouthwatering side dishes, can hinder your progress to lose weight. Do not think for a minute that a healthy diet means eating flavorless food. The solution for staying on track with your weight loss is to cultivate healthy habits and prepare foods that are just as delectable, but healthier. We researched full course, tasty holiday dishes for you and your family to enjoy, without the guilt.

Festive, Delicious & Healthy Recipes

Appetizer

Festive Red Pepper Dip
Serves: 12

Time: 10-15 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Red Bell
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 Tomatoes
  • ½ Cup of Light Sour Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic
  • 1 tsp Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese
  • Basil

Preparation

  1. Slice Red and Green Peppers, Cucumber and Tomatoes.
  2. Combine Red and Green Peppers, Cucumber and Tomatoes and Garlic in food processor or blender.
  3. While processing/blending, add Sour Cream and Cheese.
  4. Pour dip into a bowl, garnish with Basil

Serve with Low Sodium Chips/Crackers or  Vegetables.

Nutrition Information: 10 Calories per serving, 1 g Carbohydrates, 7mg Sodium

Main Course

Roast Turkey Breast and Gravy

Serves: 6 HCG Diet Plan, Weight Solutions,Solutions Weight Loss Center, Solutions Weight Loss

Time: 2 hr 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • One 6-pound fresh turkey breast, on the bone, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 T unsalted butter, softened
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 small onions, peeled and quartered
  • ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups turkey or chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Rub turkey all over with the butter, including the cavity of the breast. Seasoned generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Scatter the vegetables on the bottom of a roasting pan just large enough to hold the turkey. Set the meat breast-side up in the pan.
  4. Roast for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registered 160 degrees F.
  5. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil for 30 minutes.
  6. Pour any pan drippings into a degreasing cup or small bowl. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the fat discarding the rest and add the juices to the stock.
  7. Add reserved fat to the roasting pan and placed on a burner over medium-high heat. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  8. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the stock and continue to stir.
  9. Bring to a broil and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Strain the gravy, discarding the vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Carve the breast and serve with gravy.

Side: Winter Magic Mixed Greens with Walnuts and Grapes.

  • 5-6 cups mixed greens
  • 2 cup red, seedless grapes
  • ½ cup glazed walnuts
  • ½ cup light raspberry vinaigrette such as Newman’s Own Lighten Up Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette

GLAZED WALNUTS: line a baking sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray and spread walnuts onto a baking sheet. Lightly spray walnuts with cooking spray and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake at 350 until caramelized or golden to dark brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

SALAD: In a large salad bowl, toss all lettuce, walnuts and grapes. Drizzle with dressing and toss well when ready to serve. Serves 6 (1 serving = about 1 cup).

Nutrition Information (per 1 cup serving): 108 calories, 7.5 grams fat.

Dessert

HCG Diet Plan, Weight Solutions,Solutions Weight Loss Center, Solutions Weight Loss

Apple Meringue

Serves: 4

Time:  15-20 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Apples – Peeled, Cored and Halved.
  • 2 cups Apple Juice
  • ½ cup Marmalade
  • 2 large Egg whites
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Almonds

Preparation:

  1. Heat Oven to 350o
  2. In a small saucepan, poach apples in apple juice for 8-10 minutes until slightly soft.
  3. Spoon 2 Tbsp of Marmalade into the center of each apple half.
  4. Beat egg whites in a mixer and add sugar until stiff peaks form.
  5. Add chopped almonds and cover the apple halves with the egg white mixture.
  6. Place apples on baking sheet and bake for 7 – 10 minutes until tops are lightly browned.

Nutrition Information: 200 Calories, 42 g Carbohydrates, 45 mg Sodium

Excerpts from diet.com & foodnetwork.com

Remember to incorporate exercise during these times, see our tips on how to Start the New Year and keep your resolutions.


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