Healthy Recipes & Tips to Keep You Going During the Holiday Hustle & Bustle
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
But it can also be the busiest and most stressful! Between holiday events, shopping, hosting, cooking, baking and wrapping (and any emotions that may come up for you in this season), we are left running short on time and energy.
I’m here to help you feel in control and energized with simple, nourishing tips! Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes from my Your Way to Wellness Cookbook (guaranteed crowd-pleasers for gatherings).
I know it may feel like meal planning and prepping are more things added to your list, but it's actually in the busy times where meal prepping helps the MOST. It takes the guesswork out of meal times and allows you to plate breakfast, lunch or dinner efficiently and easily!
Let’s begin by starting the day right with my 2 Ingredient Chia Pudding Cups. Nourishing, simple and so delicious.
Ingredients:
2 c milk of choice (I opt for coconut or almond milk)
½ c chia seeds
Instructions:
Combine milk with chia seeds. Stir together and once mixture settles after 1-2 minutes, stir again.
Divide into individual breakfast jars and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning you have a grab and go breakfast.
Top with whatever flavors you like: fruit, nuts, seeds, no added sugar jams, nut butters, honey.
*Bonus: get in some extra protein by adding a scoop of protein powder and/or add more flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract or dash of cinnamon.
Starting your day with a breakfast like this one, filled with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, is a powerful combination that will keep you full and satisfied as you take on your to do list.
Here are four other effective and easy habits to put into place that create a big impact on how you’re feeling:
Begin your day with warm lemon water (beneficial for digestion, metabolism, energy, and more)
Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach; instead have it with or after your meal
Put clothes on your carbs to help balance sugar (ex: adding walnuts and greek yogurt or shredded chicken and avocado to make stuffed baked sweet potatoes)
Avoid sugar before bed (insulin and melatonin are enemies, so declare “kitchen closed” after dinner)
I also love nothing more than a versatile recipe: one that can be made ahead of time, meal prepped for lunch or dinner, and/or used as a fun, festive appetizer for a party.
These Italian Meatball Poppers are just that! They are great as leftovers too!
Ingredients:
20 Cooked meatballs (you can use any type of meat or plant based option you like)
2 c marinara sauce (look for no sugar added, for store bought I love Rao’s)
5 provolone cheese slices
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 TBS fresh chopped parsley or basil
Instructions:
Bake meatballs as you normally would
Spoon 1 TBS of marinara sauce onto each meatball and top with a quarter piece of provolone cheese
Broil in oven until brown and bubbly (about 3 minutes)
Sprinkle parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top.
Serve alongside extra marinara sauce for dipping! Enjoy!
Tis the season for holiday treats as well! Here are some baking substitutions you can make that pack a more nutritional punch, without sacrificing the sweet factor. (And keep reading to the end of this blog post for one of my must have recipes on the cookie plate).
I hope you try and enjoy these simple recipes, and welcome those healthy habits into your routine. Small changes lead to lasting, powerful results — and following those four tips will help you feel energized and focused!
Want more healthy and nourishing recipe ideas, or looking for a gift for the cook in your life? Your Way to Wellness Cookbook — Nursing Your Way to Wellness is a must-have in your kitchen. This 130 page e-cookbook is packed with my go-to recipes that are simple — most are under 30 minutes — with ingredients you have on hand or can easily find and will use again and again.
>>> Before you go! Make sure to subscribe to Nursing Your Way to Wellness for all the latest in health and wellness, including my best tips and tricks, recipes, programs, exclusive savings and more!
May your holiday season be filled with special moments!
Moree suggestions I think you will love:
Energy Ball Recipes - The Mint Chocolate Chip Energy Balls hit all the right notes this time of year.
Buckeye Recipe - A healthy crowd-pleaser treat for the cookie tin!
Simple Ways to make holidays special and joyful - Bring mindfulness into the season with these tips.
Holiday Gift Guide - Inspiration for unique and feel good gifts for you and your loved ones.