One way to prevent another tearful Jan. 2 return to spin class is — duh — making somewhat healthier dishes for your holiday meal. Here are a few recipes to check out before you go to the supermarket.
Vegan and gluten-free pumpkin pancakes
Start off the big day with this recipe (which has a sugar-free option). It substitutes oats and is well-suited for freezing. Make a big batch a few days before and freeze some, so you can just microwave breakfast and spend that time prepping the big dinner.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/los_angela)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/los_angela
Healthier chocolate chip pumpkin bread
Let’s get real: Snacking will happen before the big meal, unless you’re some sort of nutrition monk (and kudos to those of you who can pull that off). Keep the appetite at bay with this pumpkin bread that uses whole wheat flour instead of the refined white stuff. You probably won’t notice any difference.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/bhofack2)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/bhofack2
Roasted Butternut Squash with Roasted Walnut oil and Pomegranate Seeds
Butternut squash is the thinking-man’s pumpkin, and the holidays are this oddly shaped little fella’s time to shine. Check out this lighter take on a cold-weather classic.
(AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
AP Photo/Larry Crowe
Indian butternut squash carrot soup
Aggressive seasoning takes squash soup to the next level. Go healthier by substituting the butter with olive oil and by skipping the heavy cream.
(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
AP Photo/Matthew Mead
Roasted brussels sprouts with garlic
Roasted sprouts have caught on as a side because it’s not all that hard to make those tiny, nutritious cabbages taste delicious. This recipe results in a texture that defies the “eeewww” reaction you had as a child.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/lonniejrobin)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/lonniejrobin
Sesame kale salad
A somewhat-healthier holiday meal doesn’t consist of just brown food. You got to throw some mean greens onto that plate. This salad is a fantastic option. And don’t forget to massage that kale!
(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
AP Photo/Matthew Mead
Lighter mac ‘n’ cheese
The dairy-heavy classic eases up on the milkfat in this recipe, replacing the butter and some of the cheddar with pureed cottage cheese. A little ancho chili pepper and dijon mustard keep things interesting.
(AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
AP Photo/Larry Crowe
Cauliflower “mashed potatoes”
The nation’s cauliflower craze rages on: This purée is tasty and smooth like a certain big-meal staple, but it’s lighter and only involves four ingredients.
(Sara Moulton via AP)
Sara Moulton via AP
Vegetarian harvest roast
A worthwhile option for those tired of turkey (and Tofurkey). This “anchor” dish is made with mushrooms, grains, various nuts, lentils and cheese.
(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
AP Photo/Matthew Mead
Fat-free vegan gravy
It’s not a myth. It is real — and easy to make. One tip with this recipe is to substitute liquid aminos for the soy sauce. The latter can come across as too sweet, and you’re definitely aiming for savory here.
(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
AP Photo/Matthew Mead
Sugar-free cranberry sauce
Only four ingredients go into this recipe. One is a natural sweetener called erythritol, which you can find here .
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/marekuliasz)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/marekuliasz
Mashed sweet potatoes, apples and honey
This recipe features … uhh … mashed sweet potatoes, applesauce and a touch of honey. The prep time on this sweet little number is negligible. Even better: It just requires the microwave, so you won’t have to concern yourself about space on the stove or in the oven.
(AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
AP Photo/Larry Crowe
Vegan sweet potato pie
Tired of pumpkin pie? Change things up a little. This recipe turned out surprisingly well on one aspiring baker ‘s first attempt. and it’s making a triumphant return this year.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/lisafx)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/lisafx
Healthy pecan pie
Pecan pie as we know it consists of 1) pie crust, 2) those pecans on top and 3) that wonderful gelatinous corn-syrup-based filling. This recipe substitutes all that corn syrup with … wait for it … actual pecans. They’re held together with a filling — honey, eggs, coconut oil, etc. — that’s drizzled over before it all goes into the oven.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/AdShooter)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/AdShooter
Cherry-apricot crumb pie
This fruit pie substitutes the upper pastry crust with a low-fat oat crumble.
(AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
AP Photo/Larry Crowe
WASHINGTON — Eating well this time of year isn’t the issue. It’s eating
too well.
As you’re well aware, the holidays dump an abundance of delicious calories on us every year.
Heck, with all the football games and family arguments, it’s easy to lose track of just how much food you’re cramming into your face.
One way to prevent another tearful Jan. 2 return to spin class is — duh — making somewhat healthier food before you’re forced to sit at the kids’ table. Again.
Here are a few recipes to check out before you go to the supermarket.
Some of these dishes are vegetarian. Some are vegan. Some are gluten-free. But don’t let that scare you. All are worth considering as you get your kitchen plans together.