(BPT) – The holiday season is notorious for indulgent, heavy dishes that trade nutrition for taste. This year, however, we’re flipping the script by showcasing how to revamp classic recipes into healthier, yet equally scrumptious, options. By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients, such as cauliflower, whole-grain bread, sweet potatoes and chopped vegetables, you can easily increase fiber and vitamins in your diet. Try these five swaps and enjoy your favorite holiday dishes with a healthier twist.
1. Swap out the spuds! One simple swap is trading starchy mashed potatoes for low-carb, vitamin-packed mashed cauliflower. Not only is cauliflower significantly lower in carbohydrates than potatoes, but it is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate. The result is a creamy, delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. It’s the perfect clean, healthy, grain-free and low-carb replacement for mashed potatoes. Our favorite mashed cauliflower to swap out for mashed potatoes is Kevin’s Natural Foods Mashed Cauliflower. It’s delicious, easy to prepare and only contains 8g of carbs per serving. Plus, it’s the perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
2. Upgrade your green bean casserole: Green bean casserole is a classic dish loved by many. However, the traditional recipe may not be the healthiest option since it usually involves canned soup and fried onions. Luckily, there are ways to make a healthier version of this beloved dish. One option is to use fresh green beans instead of canned ones. Fresh green beans are packed with nutrients and have a better texture than canned ones. Another way to make this dish healthier is to use homemade cream of mushroom soup. Homemade soup will have fewer preservatives and can be made with healthier ingredients. Additionally, you can swap the fried onions for crunchy almond slivers. By making these simple changes, you can transform the classic green bean casserole into a healthier and more nutritious dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.
3. Save time with ready-to-heat turkey gravy: Preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be a challenging task, especially when you have a long list of dishes to prepare. But with Kevin’s Natural Foods Turkey Gravy, you can save valuable time in the kitchen without compromising on taste or nutrition. Kevin’s ready-to-heat gravy is Certified Gluten-Free and made from only the finest, all-natural ingredients, eliminating the hassle of preparing a gravy from scratch. It’s the perfect complement to your turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, making it a must-have for any holiday dinner. This delicious gravy is only available during the holiday season, so if you’re a true gravy enthusiast, we recommend buying a few extra and popping them in the freezer. That way, you can savor this delight all year round!
4. A healthier twist on sweet potatoes: Ditch the traditional marshmallow-filled sweet potatoes this year and try something new. If you don’t have much time to spare, pick up Kevin’s Natural Foods ready-to-heat Mashed Sweet Potatoes at your local grocery store. They are paleo-friendly, gluten-free and contain just five natural ingredients. This dish is a guaranteed hit with its creamy texture and natural sweetness, sure to keep the crowd coming back for seconds.
5. Stuffed with nutrients: One of the most popular holiday dishes is stuffing and it’s a great opportunity to include more fiber and nutrients into our meal. Instead of using white bread, try using whole-grain bread or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Add in some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion for an extra boost of vitamins. To add some protein, mix in some cooked sausage or chopped nuts. And for a burst of flavor, add some dried cranberries or apricots. With these healthy swaps, we can enjoy a guilt-free and flavorful stuffing that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The holidays are a time to indulge, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our health and wellness. With these five healthy swaps, we can enjoy our favorite holiday dishes without feeling guilty. From cauliflower mashed potatoes to homemade green bean casserole and ready-to-heat turkey gravy, we can save time and still have a delicious feast. By incorporating more nutrient-dense ingredients into our dishes, like whole-grain bread, sweet potatoes, and chopped vegetables, we can add more fiber and vitamins to our plates. So this holiday season, let’s reinvent our classic recipes and create healthier, yet equally delicious versions.