The holidays are a time for indulgence. Eggnog, candy, enrichment, sweets, second helpings, more candy. It’s okay to snack a little, but why not include healthy recipes for Christmas and Hanukkah? After all, you certainly don’t want to end up with Santa’s waistline while the kids are already bouncing around from all the candy. (The average person gains 5 pounds during the holidays.) Whether you need to bring something to a holiday party or you’re preparing something for your child’s classroom celebration, here are some compelling alternatives that everyone will be talking about.
Here are 10 healthy recipes for Christmas and Hanukkah
- santa strawberries (above). Our suggestion – swap out the mini chocolate chips for currants or raisins cut in half. The “whiskers” and pom-poms can be made from whipped cream cheese with a little vanilla. (Source: Vegan Chef Mark Anthony on Pinterest.)
- pear trees. Just short of a partridge! If you like, you can make a “trunk” out of pear or green apple slices, cheese, raisins and pretzel sticks or cinnamon sticks. (Source: 360 Family Nutrition)
- Cut Cheese with Holiday Cracker Cutters – Every year at my daughter’s school party, I bring cheese that I’ve cut with Christmas cracker cutters. They are so easy to make and there are never any leftovers. (Source: Good Life Eats)
- banana snowmen – This snack is sure to make the kids happy. Use what you have available – raisins, currents, fruit of your choice. (We swapped out the mini chocolate chips for raisins.) String it up or put it on a plate. (Source: Trax at Home)
- Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter – Again, you can be very creative. Use cauliflower, tomatoes, and broccoli for snowflakes, yellow peppers for stars, and pretzels for tree trunks. Get creative – you can add chopped peppers in different colors for added garnish. (Source: Pinterest)
- crutch candy without the candy – How easy is this? Your kids will smile and you’ll be glad they didn’t reach for another sugary snack. (Source: Wooloo.ca)
- olive penguins – These little guys are too cute to eat! They are made of black olives, raw carrots and cream cheese or round buffalo cheese balls. Just skewer them with a toothpick! (Source: Foodie With Family)
- Slim Santa – Whoever came up with the idea of “playing with your food” was so silly, funny and clever. We just love this Santa made with red apples, cauliflower and turnips – it would make a cute holiday centerpiece.
- snowman cheese sticks – another great treat for classroom parties. Decorate with black and orange markers, black cardstock hats and any color ribbon you like. (Source: NoBiggie.net).
- Grapevine Centerpiece – Foam polystyrene egg cartridges from a craft store (like Michael’s) for the frame. Use toothpicks to glue the grapes and starfish pieces together. Grated coconut can be added to the base for a snowy landscape. (Source: teachingblogaddict.com)
It’s December, are your pants already tight? These 10 healthy holiday foods will make the kids and the kids happy!
Grapevine Centerpieces
What are your favorite healthy holiday recipes?
