Alternative Dishes to Bring to Holiday Dinner

When we think of the holidays, we may also think about those extra pounds that seem to creep on at this time of year. All the rich holiday favorites and festive sweets are hard to avoid. If you’re trying to avoid packing on a few pounds, maybe it’s time to think about some alternative — healthier — dishes to bring to your holiday dinner this year. Here are a few great options!

Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes

Do you spend all year looking forward to those buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes? If you’re watching carbs, they can derail your diet, but there’s a better way than going straight to cauli-mash. Try going 50/50 with your potatoes and cauliflower. You’ll get all the taste and texture of real mashed potatoes while reducing the carbs and calories and getting some extra, nutritious veggies into the mix. Win-win!

Green Beans and Almonds

You probably know that many green bean casseroles are packed with sodium and saturated fat due to the fried onions and canned soups they usually contain. Go a bit simpler with green beans that are tossed in olive oil and sautéed, then topped with crunchy almonds. A touch of fresh-squeezed orange and orange peel makes the dish even more festive. The dish is lower in carbs and the almonds and olive oil add healthy fats.

Roasted or Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato casserole is a favorite, but loads of brown sugar and marshmallows make the dish more like a sugary dessert. Instead, try roasting or air-frying sweet potato wedges. Toss in a bit of maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil to get a hint of sweetness without all the calories.

Of course, these are only a few alternative dishes to get you started. There are plenty of easy swaps and substitutes you can make to ensure your holiday dinner is a bit healthier this year. And as you’re enjoying a healthier holiday dinner, don’t forget to take your Prevagen supplement to do something healthy for your brain, too.