Don’t let holiday foods weigh you down this season! You can still enjoy all the luxurious tastes of a traditional New Year’s celebration without packing on the pounds. Listed below are five healthy treat ideas for your party menu. With flavorful recipes like these, you don't need to sacrifice sophisticated tastes for nutritious and wholesome foods.
1. Greek Stuffed Mushrooms
Skip the greasy jalapeno poppers and the cholesterol-heavy bacon bites. Reach for these little handheld delights instead. Mushrooms help your body produce vitamin D while the broccoli packs a powerful nutrition boost offering your body plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. You’ll hardly notice that you’re working on your health goals when you bite into these tasty snacks. Flavors from the Greek islands tucked tight into a hearty, roasted mushroom will completely satisfy your taste buds (without clogging your arteries).
2. Quinoa Turkey Skewers
If you haven't cooked with quinoa yet, you're missing out on one of the most exciting health foods out there. Quinoa is a vegan source of complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. Rich in fiber and minerals, this nutty-tasting grain is known to support heart health, as well as assist weight loss. Combine this superfood with turkey, rosemary, Dijon mustard and breadcrumbs and sculpt into cute, little balls. Place these bite-sized portions on a skewer and you've got an extremely satiating, protein-packed delicacy. Oh yeah, and did we also mention it's a cinch to prepare?
3. Rainbow Crudites with Three Dips
Everyone loves to munch at a holiday gathering and this wonderful recipe allows you to indulge to your heart's content. You can return to the crudite table again and again, without feeling like you’ll need to hit the gym first thing in the morning. Sometimes winter dishes can look dreary or bland.
Not these crunchy morsels! Besides looking beautiful, raw vegetables are high in water content and low in calories; your body will feel refreshed and light in the morning. Normal dips, such as ranch, can pack a fatty punch, but these dips are low fat and taste just as decadent. Here's a bonus healthy tip: you can sneak extra protein into these dips! For the best whey protein that blends nicely into these dip recipes, select a flavorless powder that you can find in any health food store.
4. Mulled Beetroot and Orange Juice
Who wants to celebrate the first day of the New Year with a hangover? Make a toast to your health with this aromatic, alcohol-free libation. Serve it warm for a cozy treat on a chilly night. This recipe uses in-season oranges for nice tang complemented by the deep, earthy flavors of beet and a kick of winter spices. With such a balanced and complex flavor profile, you won’t miss out on the traditional boozy beverages that would only add to your waistline.
5. Vegan Clementine Bundt Cake
Clementines are in season and they’re a perfect, easy-to-peel little citrus fruit to enjoy as a healthy winter snack. Elevate these mini tangerines by incorporating them into this delicious and eye-catching holiday bundt cake. Using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making this festive dessert is pretty straightforward. But don't be fooled by its simplicity; it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Exceptionally moist and light, beautifully sweet and tangy, nobody will know it's vegan! With no animal products and a modest amount of fat, your body will thank you for getting your New Year off to a clean and fresh start.
