The winter holidays are fast approaching!
Now, this is probably great news if you enjoy family time, parties and exercising your sense of childlike wonder, but it can also mean lots of stress.
Work and/or school might be picking up for you, and you might need to make sure you get everything done early if you're trying to take a few days off. You're going to shop for gifts, prepare for parties, and more than likely enjoy tons of tasty food through the beginning of January. Whew!
This is all great fun, but if you're watching your weight and/or health, it can spell disaster. Not only might your workout routine trickle away during a busy December but so too might that healthy eating plan.
But don't sweat it. Enjoy that roasted meat, tamales, latkes, cake, hot chocolate, sparkling cocktails and whatever else you're jonesing for. Just make sure to jump back into your healthy routine come January, and do what you can to mitigate unwanted waistline expansion by keeping an eye on your calories and/or macros when you're not celebrating.
The easiest place to start is with your snacking. Whether you need to refuel on your own after a long day of Christmas shopping or you want to serve the relatives something that won't leave everyone feeling stuffed before a party, here are some delightful healthy snacks filling enough to keep you warm in the chilly weather:
1. Coconut Oil Sriracha Popcorn With Nori
Popcorn is awesomely satisfying but deliciously light, and it's super easy to make from scratch over the stove. It only takes five minutes! With cheesy nutritional yeast, spicy Sriracha and umami-rich seaweed crumbles, you might find it hard to go back to that bagged stuff after this.
2. Lighter Jalapeno Poppers
With optional lower cal cheeses and savory crumbled bacon stuffed inside these oven-baked crispy peppers, this side is super tasty without being too heavy or caloric -- though you're more than welcome to deep fry them like so if you prefer!
3. Japanese Sweet Potato Chips
This tasty recipe works equally well with just about any root veggie too, and it will help curb any snacky urges you get. Here's how to make your own herb salt to season the chips.
4. Cheesy Spinach and Zucchini Muffins
These bright, dense, breakfasty treats are perfect any time of the day if you need a fast fuel-up, especially since they freeze wonderfully. They are perfect for when you need something lightning fast but a little more substantial than some of the other carb-heavy items here.
5. Baked Green Bean Fries
These well-seasoned wonders really do get a fabulous crunch comparable to fried potatoes, thanks to their impeccable parmesan-panko breading. Yum!