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5 Low Calorie Recipes to Make This Holiday Season
5 Low Calorie Recipes to Make This Holiday Season
5 Low Calorie Recipes to Make This Holiday Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. While this season may look slightly different than the rest, it's probably still just as busy. Whether you're figuring out how to safely attend a small family gathering or deciding on new traditions to make this year, the chances are that your schedule is packed, and you may be running short on time. As our lives get busier, we try to rearrange our plans to fit everything in. With everything else going on this year, planning out healthy holiday recipes may not be at the top of your to-do list.If you'd like to make healthier, low-calorie meals this season but don't have the time to search for the recipes, we're here to help. To ensure that your holiday season is just as healthful as it is eventful, our team has put together a list of five tasty, low-calorie meals you can make at home. From stuffed bell peppers to fresh greens, while the recipes on this list are low in calories, they're surely not lacking in flavor. Continue reading to determine which low-calorie recipe fits your holiday menu best.
A Low Calorie Side
When it comes to easy healthy holiday recipes, it's essential to have a low-calorie side dish on the list. Most holiday entrees are the heart of the meal. They're loaded with flavor, ingredients and more importantly: calories. That being said, if your holiday entree is taking up a hefty amount of daily calories, then we recommend supplementing it with a healthy, low-calorie side. A low-calorie side is a great way to reduce your meal's overall calories without skimping on flavor. At Bob's Red Mill, we believe that all meals, low-calorie ones included, can be so full of flavor you won't even miss the absent calories. If you're searching for a low-calorie side dish that is overflowing with naturally delicious flavors, try out this Mediterranean Stuffed Pepper Dish.
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
The perfect way to brighten up your holiday menu, these Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are loaded with healthful ingredients. A crisp bell-pepper shell is used to encompass delicious nutty farro that will leave your stomach satisfied and full until the entree arrives. A real crowd pleaser, this plate looks as elegant as it sounds. In this dish, the nutty, tangy flavors of farro are combined with a hint of mint and fresh spices, making it an excellent side dish for fish and roasted meats.
Healthier Alternative to Rice
When planning out healthy alternative holiday recipes, rice is a common item on the list. Because rice is a versatile dish, it can be mixed with various ingredients to create the perfect flavor to match any meal. If you've been making the same rice dish for years and are ready for something new, there are several options out there. By simply switching up the rice you use, you can add an entirely new flavor to an already loved recipe. Or, if you want to ditch rice altogether and try a healthier alternative, oats, riced cauliflower and riced broccoli are all excellent options. This year, for a unique spin on your favorite rice dish, try out our low-calorie version of vegetable fried rice.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Need a healthy holiday cooking recipe? A vegetable fried rice may be your answer. The ideal rice alternative, this Vegetable Fried Rice, actually uses groats instead of rice grains to create a delicious flavor and texture. Not only does adding groats give this recipe a fun twist, it also adds vitamins, nutrients and fiber to the dish. All of which will help keep you full and satisfied after your meal. Though this particular recipe is vegan, it can be combined with egg, shrimp, tofu or your favorite protein to boost the heartiness of this meal. Pair it with your favorite holiday entree and enjoy!
A Veggie-Rich Entree
If you're hoping to ditch a few calories this holiday season, the best way to do that is by switching up your holiday entree. Because entrees are often the part of the meal that pack the most calories, using lighter, wholesome ingredients is an excellent way to shave some of those calories off. We've found that adding more veggies to our meals is a perfect way to turn our favorite entrees into lighter versions of themselves. Whether you're searching for ways to incorporate more nutrients into your holiday diet or merely opting for a meatless menu this year, this Eggplant Tart With Tomatoes and Goat Cheese is sure to do the trick!
Eggplant Tart with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese
The ideal meatless entree option, this Eggplant Tart with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese, is loaded with flavorful roasted vegetables and cheese, making it a dish that everyone will love. The unique texture of eggplant acts as an excellent meat alternative while adding nutrition to the plate. Topped with crumbled goat cheese and pine nuts, just the smell of this entree will leave your mouth watering. Pair it with a nutritious salad and light dessert for the perfect holiday menu.
Spruce up Your Salad
Salads are a great accompaniment to any meal. Some individuals choose to eat their salad before the entree, and some after. When you eat your salad, if you have a great recipe, it's sure to be a highlight on the menu. While salads are often thought of as a healthy dish, they can quickly become a high-calorie one when loaded with add-ins and sweet dressings. To make sure your salad remains low-calorie and delicious, we recommend choosing a recipe that uses natural, wholesome ingredients and a light dressing. If you're craving a salad that you've never tried before, try combining new ingredients like fresh greens and grains. For a salad-like dish that is sure to leave you satisfied, try this Market Greens Millet.
Market Greens with Millet
The next time you head to the market, be sure to pick up some fresh local greens. The perfect way to spruce up your usual side salad, this Market Greens with Millet dish is loaded with vitamins and minerals that will leave you feeling lighter than ever. A simple and quick side dish, this recipe is excellent when you're running short on time. Plus, the leftovers can be enjoyed as a light lunch the next day. A fantastic side dish or appetizer for your dinner, this salad will look great on your holiday table.
A Light Entree
Now, we've already touched on the fact that entrees are often the heartiest part of a meal. That being said, switching your entree up now and then might be a good idea. Including a light entree in your holiday menu allows you to get creative with the other courses. Whether you choose to add a salad before dinner or a sweet dessert after, choosing a low-calorie entree lets you indulge in everything at the table guilt-free. For the ideal light meal, try making this Heirloom Tomato Tarte Tatin this season.
Heirloom Tomato Tarte Tatin
A mouthwatering, savory and vegan dish, this Heirloom Tomato Tarte Tatin is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Perfect for a light entree, it's a rustic and simple way to enjoy some of the season's most delicious veggies. While this recipe tastes incredible as is, we encourage you to get creative in the kitchen and add in your favorite ingredients. Adding a personalized touch to this dish will make it one that both you and your guests remember for holidays to come. Because this entree is relatively light, it's best accompanied by an appetizer or side.Here at Bob's Red Mill, we want to make sure this holiday season is one of the best yet. From light and savory side dishes to meatless entrees, we hope this list of five low-calorie recipes has inspired you to switch up your menu this year and make something memorable. Whether you're sticking to a strict diet or simply want to make a few healthy swaps as we enter the new year, this article is sure to help get you there. Remember, as busy as the season may be, it's essential to make time for yourself and your health!We love hearing from you! Have a favorite low-calorie meal you're like to share with us? Let us know what you'll be incorporating into your holiday menu in the comments below. Were sure that no matter what you make it will be delicious. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!