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Classic Holiday Recipes with a Healthy Makeover [Slideshow]

Anne

Dec 18, 2019

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Everyone over-indulges during the holidays. With so many parties, get-togethers, and feasts, it’s hard not to. While the average American reports that they gain approximately 5lbs between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can stay on track with these healthy holiday recipes.

They’re so good that the family won’t even know you’ve swapped out some ingredients.

Healthy green bean casserole baked in a glass dish

Image by Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock

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Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a holiday food staple. Creamy, crunchy, and vegetable-based. It must be healthy, right? It turns out that traditional green bean casseroles contain up to 10 grams of fat per serving, and nearly 200 calories.

If you're looking to make a healthier version of the classic dish, try this recipe, which is said to reduce the calories per serving by 60%, and the amount of fat by 80%.

Whole grain Apple Spice Bundt Cake glazed with vanilla icing

Image by pixel1 / Pixabay

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Apple Spice Bundt Cake

Everyone knows that a good holiday meal isn't complete without a delicious dessert. Enter the apple spice bundt cake. It's made with 100% whole-grain flour and 50% less sugar than traditional bundt cakes.

It has all the traditional holiday flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but you'll feel way better serving this recipe to your family. There's even a cider glaze involved.

Healthy Holiday Stuffing packed with veggies and herbs

Image by Elena Veselova / Shutterstock

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Healthy Holiday Stuffing

A hearty holiday stuffing is a favorite at many meals, but it's traditionally loaded with carbs, butter, and fat. You don't have to ditch the dish altogether. Follow this recipe for a stuffing that's packed with veggies and herbs.

The healthy holiday stuffing recipe uses whole-wheat bread, celery, apples, onion, mushrooms, and reduced-sodium broth. The result? A stuffing that's sure to please, but easier on the calories. No butter involved.

A few slices of roasted turkey on a wooden plank

Image by Africa Studio / Shutterstock

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Roasted Turkey

Make a healthy holiday turkey this year by roasting a lean turkey breast. For a healthy turkey makeover, opt to stay away from the dark meat. This recipe shows you just how it's done. There's no need to sacrifice flavor with this classic, but healthy, holiday dish.

Removing the skin from the turkey breast leaves you with just one-third of the fat count that traditional turkey has with the skin intact. Adding a rich mix of herbs means that you don't lose any of the flavors. It also reduces the total calorie count.

a bowl of health mashed cauliflower for the holidays

Image by Nataliya Arzamasova / Shutterstock

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Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Love mashed potatoes but not thrilled with all the carbs? Try swapping the dish out for this garlic mashed cauliflower recipe.

With less than 100 calories per serving, more than 5 grams of protein, and under 6 grams of fat, you can't go wrong. A tablespoon of reduced-fat cream cheese lends to the smooth texture you're used to in classic mashed potatoes and smashed garlic brings the dish together.

A large coffee mug filled with healthy holiday eggnog

Image by Dieter G / Pixabay

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Healthy Eggnog

Eggnog- the signature holiday beverage. Unfortunately, traditional eggnog has more than 200 calories per 8oz serving, more than 10 grams of fat, and 20 grams of sugar. Loaded with heavy cream, traditional eggnog may taste great, but it's bad for your health.

Luckily, this healthy eggnog recipe is here to save the day. Almond milk, bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and maple syrup help retain the taste of the classic beverage and don't worry, there's still an option to add bourbon.

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Anne

GR8NESS Writer

Anne is a GR8NESS Contributing Writer, covering mental health, self-development, body, health, and pet care. She believes that self-betterment comes from addressing all aspects of the mind, body, and soul. When she’s not writing, you will definitely find her giving her dog belly rubs and reading the first half of every book she buys.

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