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The holidays are in full swing! If you’re worried about what to eat to stay on track with your weight loss goals, GOOD NEWS! I’ve got many Healthy Low Calorie Holiday Recipes ideas for you to lighten up your menu. 

From breakfast, to appetizers, salads, sides, main dishes and even lighter desserts. I’ve got everything here for you to compliment your turkey!

If you’re new to lighter eating during the holidays, I recommend you pick one or two dishes to lighten up. Changing everything at one time is simply too much change and it leads to binging. So much of this is in your mindset and an all or nothing mindset is something I teach my weight loss clients to change in my program.

I also recommend you listen to my tips for Getting Your Mind Right for the Holidays and Holiday Mindset Shifts for Weight Loss!

Healthy Low Calorie Holiday Recipes are lighter and gluten free breakfasts, appetizers, sides, cookies and desserts to make this holiday!

BREAKFAST

HEALTHY GINGERBREAD DONUTS

Healthy Gingerbread Donuts made lower calorie, gluten free and with wholesome, real ingredients. A lighter and healthier holiday treat dusted with a light maple sugar topping. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

GINGERBREAD COFFEE CREAMER

Skinny Gingerbread Coffee Creamer! This vegan coffee creamer recipe makes a decadent, smooth creamer at home! Easy to make on the stove top with simple, dairy free ingredients. Gluten Free + Vegan + Paleo + Low Calorie

BUTTERMILK GINGERBREAD PANCAKES

Gingerbread Pancakes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BREAKFAST BAKE

This Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash is loaded with nourishment and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. High protein, this is a delicious breakfast without the eggs! Whole30 + Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie

HEALTHY BREAKFAST STRATA

Healthy Breakfast Strata is a make-ahead breakfast casserole packed with sausage and veggies and gluten free bread! A simple and delicious holiday brunch recipe. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD SMOOTHIE

Pumpkin Gingerbread Smoothie! An overnight smoothie filled with antioxidants, probiotics & protein. An energizing way to start the day! Blend the night before & eat the next morning. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

CRANBERRY APPLE SMOOTHIE

Cranberry Apple Detox Smoothie loaded with antioxidants! A smoothie made with foods that support the body in its natural detox. This thick & creamy pink smoothie makes the perfect healthy breakfast or snack! Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Vegan

CRANBERRY HOT COCOA PANCAKES

Creamy Cranberry Cocoa Pancakes that taste like hot cocoa! High in antioxidants & packed with protein, this crepe-like stack is bursting with sweetness. A guaranteed crowd pleaser! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

TATOR TOT BREAKFAST BAKE

Tater Tot Breakfast Bake! Loaded with chicken, eggs, bell pepper & tater tots, this recipe is simple to make, hearty & tasty. Perfect for a weekend brunch and feeds a crowd too! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

SPIRALIZED BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Wake up to a healthy Spiralized Breakfast Casserole made with wholesome ingredients, bursting with comforting flavors & packed with 20 grams of protein. This is one breakfast you will want to wake to! Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Carb + Low Calorie

SHEET PAN BREAKFAST PIZZA with SAUSAGE & POTATOES

Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza! Your favorite breakfast pizza turned healthy. Layered with healthy ingredients, this breakfast pizza has big flavor for less calories. Baked on a sheet pan for easy cleanup! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SPINACH BREAKFAST BAKE

This Butternut Squash Spinach Breakfast Bake is loaded with healthy ingredients and flavors. A deliciously warm way to start a cool morning. If you like pizza, you will love this crustless egg frittata! Low Carb + Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie

BREADS

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD LOAF

Healthy Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf! Made gluten free & lower in sugar with applesauce, this warm molasses & ginger spiced bread is perfect for a snack or breakfast. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

HEALTHY COCONUT PINEAPPLE BREAD

HEALTHY CRANBERRY COCONUT BREAD

Skinny Cranberry Coconut Bread made low in sugar with healthy, wholesome ingredients. The perfect thick & chewy bread to celebrate the holidays, and makes a great gift! Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Paleo

HEALTHY GINGERBREAD MUFFINS WITH ALMOND FLOUR

Almond Flour Gingerbread Muffins with collagen frosting. Spiced with warm flavors and high in protein & healthy fats! An easy breakfast or portable snack! Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie  

SIDE DISHES

CRANBERRY HUMMUS

Spice things up with a Cranberry Hummus! This twist on traditional hummus makes a tasty holiday appetizer or winter snack, & guaranteed to add a kick to your plate! Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Vegan

PALEO STUFFING

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing made grain free with a healthy twist. This holiday dish has the flavor of traditional stuffing without the grains. Easy to make and crowd pleasing! Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie 

HEALTHY MASHED POTATOES & CAULIFLOWER

Healthier Mashed Potatoes & Cauliflower! This lighter version of the traditional dish adds cauliflower & Greek yogurt that no one will notice. A healthier side for your dinner table! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

WHOLE30 SWEET POTATO AU GRATIN

Whole30 Sweet Potato Au Gratin are sweet potatoes drizzled in a dairy-free cashew "cream" sauce. This Vegan and Paleo dish makes an easy side dish to a family dinner or a delicious to your holiday table.

CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN

Healthy Cauliflower Au Gratin is a high protein, low calorie and gluten free recipe. Made easy in a single skillet and surprisingly delicious! Low Calorie + Gluten Free

TURMERIC CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI GRATIN

Turmeric Cauliflower Broccoli Gratin casserole made with a rich white wine sauce & sprinkled with parmesan cheese. A low carb side perfect for dinner or the holidays!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH DAIRY FREE “CREAM” SAUCE

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Cashew Cream Sauce! Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a Vegan creamy cashew sauce. A healthy spin on Brussels sprouts gratin that's dairy-free and delicious. A healthy side dish to add to any meal. Vegan + Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Whole30

HEALTHY EASY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Healthy Green Bean Casserole made low calorie, gluten free and lower carb from scratch, without processed ingredients in under 30 minutes!

ROASTED BROCCOLI

cooked broccoli on a sheet pan

HEALTHY HOLIDAY SALAD

Healthy Holiday Salad! This colorful salad is packed with fresh produce and dressed with an anti-inflammatory turmeric apple cider vinegar dressing. A holiday side salad that's versatile and nutritious!

PARSNIP CARROT MASH

parsnip-carrot-mash-img5

MASHED POTATO MUFFINS

Mashed Potato Muffins! A simple recipe to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a healthy side with incredible texture and flavor! Enjoy as an appetizer, dinner side, or for breakfast with eggs! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

VEGAN WILD RICE CASSEROLE

This Classic & Healthy Wild Rice Casserole is made with mushrooms & onions. A hearty vegetarian or side dish that's easy to make & guaranteed to please a crowd. Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Vegan

ROASTED GARLIC CAULIFLOWER MASH

Whole30 Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash! These creamy "potatoes" are a healthy low carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Made with simple, real food ingredients with the same consistency as real potatoes.

MAPLE TAHINI BUTTERNUT SWEET POTATO MASH

This warm Maple Tahini Butternut Sweet Potato Mash is a healthier version of sweet potato casserole. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup, savory tahini sauce and topped with pecans to make the perfect side dish for fall, winter and holiday gatherings. Gluten Free + Low Calorie + Vegan + Paleo

LOW SUGAR SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

MAINS

INSTANT POT TURKEY

Instant Pot Turkey Breast! Make a delicious turkey breast in your instant pot in under 35 minutes. This easy method makes a super moist and tender turkey.

TURMERIC SPICED PORK LOIN

Also Try:

Turmeric Spiced Pork Loin with parsnips, carrots and leeks. Boneless baked pork loin marinated in turmeric, roasted veggies and a sprinkle of herbs. A one-dish Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free meal ready in 30 minutes. 

PECAN OAT SALMON

Pecan Oat Salmon! Salmon breaded in a pecan-oat-parsley mixture & sautéed in one pan meal. An easy dinner, ready in 20 minutes & packed with nutrients! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

SKILLET CRANBERRY BALSAMIC SALMON

Skillet Cranberry Balsamic Salmon! This ONE skillet roasted balsamic salmon infused with maple syrup & cranberries is a simple 30 minute sweet & pungent dinner. Perfect for holiday & winter dinner menus! Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie!

DESSERTS

HEALTHY APPLE PIE

This Almond Flour Apple Pie features an easy to make almond flour crust with sliced apples on top. A dessert recipe that comes together easily, is family approved, Paleo, gluten free and grain free. 

SKINNY PUMPKIN PIE

Skinny Pumpkin Pie! Made with a pecan oat crust and topped with a lightly sweetened pumpkin custard. This pumpkin pie is incredibly easy to make, flavorful and perfect for getting a pumpkin fix. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN SPICE APPLE CRISP

BROWNIES / BARS

HEALTHY EGGNOG CHEESECAKE BARS

Healthy Eggnog Bars are made low calorie with gluten free and real food ingredients. A delicious and healthy holiday dessert recipe! Low Calorie + Gluten Free

VEGAN CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE BARS

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars! A healthy spin on pecan pie made free of gluten & refined sugar. EASY to bake & perfectly portioned for those watching their weight! Vegan + Gluten Free + Low Calorie

COOKIES

RASPBERRY COCONUT THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Paleo Raspberry Coconut Thumbprint Cookies! No one will guess these easy to bake coconut and nut butter cookies made with raspberry chia jam are grain free!

CHOCOLATE THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Healthy Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies made low calorie and gluten free are a delicious holiday cookie recipe with peppermint sprinkles on top! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

HEALTHY SUGAR COOKIES

Healthy Sugar Cookies made low calorie, gluten free with an easy sugar free icing! A simple sugar cookie recipe that's lighter and healthy. Gluten Free + Low Calorie

PALEO SWEET POTATO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Soft, chewy Paleo Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies! With their thick, soft and gooey texture, these sneaky ingredients cookies are sure to a family favorite. Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Paleo

HEALTHY WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA COOKIES

SALTED GINGERBREAD COOKIES

These Paleo Salted Gingerbread Cookies are flavored with molasses and warm spices. Lightly sweetened, they are a delicious addition to your holiday baking! Gluten Free + Paleo + Vegan

PISTACHIO CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES

Thick, chewy, Gluten Free Pistachio Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies! A healthier Christmas treat for 100 calories that's even healthy for breakfast. Only 10 minutes to make! Gluten Free + Low Calorie
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Megan

Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.

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