The holidays are here, and the next few weeks are full of office parties, classroom celebrations and family gatherings. You may be so busy planning for these get-togethers that you hardly have the time to plan a meal for a night at home, let alone a healthy one.
We’re here to help! The American Heart Association and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center have compiled a list of heart-healthy recipes you can take during the “12 Days of Christmas” and keep your loved ones healthy. You can also check out the Holiday Eating Healthy Guide for extra recipes, healthy ingredient substitution ideas, winter fitness tips and much more.
Check out these healthy holiday recipes and tips from tips from Advocate BroMenn Medical Center dietitian Angela Malinowski and enjoy!
Day 1 – The office party potluck
Try the Cool Cucumber Dip with fresh veggies
Vegetables are great low-calorie snacks that are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and fiber.
Day 2 – Busy day running errands
Pack the Grab n’ Go snack mix to munch on between stops
Angela says, “This is a healthy alternative to other on the go snacks, such as candy and chips.”
Day 3 – Book club holiday party
Bring the Red & Green Bell Pepper Boats for a healthier appetizer
This appetizer would attract partygoers with its beautiful festive colors!
Day 4 – Busy day ahead, better have a healthy breakfast!
Serve your family the Potato and Egg Scramble
Maintain your energy throughout the morning with this great source of lean protein.
Day 5 – Close friends are stopping by for dinner and a gift exchange.
Try the Red Wine Beef Stew
Day 6 – Another busy day of work and extracurricular activities – need a quick breakfast.
Try making the Applesauce Bran Muffins ahead of time and grab one as you run out the door! “These would be great to make extra and freeze so they are readily available when you need a grab-and-go breakfast,” Angela said. “They are also a great alternative to donuts and large bagels. The fiber will fill you up and keep you going all morning long.”
Day 7 – Family Dinner at Home
Your family finally has a relaxing night at home; try out this delicious Sunday Pork Roast with Vegetables to recharge their batteries.
Day 8 – Extended family gathering – you need to bring a side dish.
Try a holiday favorite – Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and fiber.
Day 9 – Your kids are having a classroom party
The kids will love our recipe for Cheesecake Dainties!
Day 10 – Another busy day, and you want to make sure your family gets their veggies.
You will love the easy-to-prepare Lemon Green Bean recipe, and they will love this tasty version of an old stand-by. “Loading up half your plate with these yummy green beans is a great way to fill you up without all of the additional calories.”
Day 11 – It’s Christmas Eve!
Enjoy the Pear and Cherry Crumble as you gather as a family. Hint, Hint – Santa might like some left out for him too!
Day 12 – Christmas Day
Cranberry-glazed Pork Tenderloin is a delicious holiday dish the whole family will enjoy. And they will reap the healthy benefits of this lean meat!
The American Heart Association and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center wish you a healthy and happy holiday! You can get the latest health information, recipes, fitness tips and so much more at www.heart.org. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AHAbloomingtonil.
For more great holiday recipes, visit www.advocatehealth.com/bromenn, and click on Healthy Holiday Recipes in the lower left corner of the home page.
