Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean calories don’t count (as much as we tell ourselves that’s true!) But don’t think you have to munch on just kale and carrots while everyone else around you is imbibing spirits and enjoying festive treats… just be sure that YOU’RE the one supplying the good choices at the party! Here’s a great round-up of delicious yet (somewhat) healthy alternatives for holiday favourites!

Cranberry and Orange Quinoa Salad

Move over ambrosia salad, there’s a new favourite in town! This recipe has all of the colours and big bold flavours to become a new seasonal favourite. Perfect to prepare for a big turkey dinner or potluck!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 large leaves of kale
  • 2 cup cranberries, fresh
  • 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 TBS orange zest, grated
  • 6 small oranges
  • 1/4 cup mixed nuts
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup mint, fresh, chopped

Healthy Peppermint Mocha Creamer

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There has been a HUGE revival of creating homemade creamers with seasonal flavouring. Unfortunately probably about 9/10 of them have a ton of sugar, fat and not to mention the hundreds of empty calories per glass! Admittedly, this alternative is not “skinny” in any way, but instead has lower and identifiable fats and sugars compared to others.
Ingredients:

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice)
3 Tablespoons Honey (sub maple syrup for vegan)
¼ Teaspoon Peppermint Extract
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
½ Teaspoon Coconut Oil, melted

Raw Gingerbread Cookie Balls

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Gingerbread is a huge favourite for many this time of year, the spice evokes memories of building gingerbread houses and dunking decorated gingerbread men into huge cups of milk. But those store bought houses and cookies are FULL of refined sugars. For a raw gluten-free and vegan alternative, click above. We promise, it’s packed with flavour and looks great too! Tip: roll your balls in cocoa powder or a mix of sugar and cinnamon if you really want to punch up the flavour!
Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup pitted dates, packed
¼ cup almond meal
¼ cup buckwheat groats
¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cloves
Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut sugar