No Guilt Holiday Treats
The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, from buttery cookies to decadent pies. But what if you could enjoy festive treats without the guilt or fear of sabotaging your health goals?
With a few clever swaps and mindful choices, you can have your cake—and eat it too!
Choose High-Protein Options
Protein helps keep you full and satisfied, which can prevent overindulging in less healthy options. Opt for treats like Greek yogurt-based parfaits layered with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola and/or dark chocolate. Protein-packed peanut butter fudge, made with natural peanut butter, a touch of honey, and protein powder, is another excellent option. You can also bake high-protein cookies using almond flour, eggs, and your favorite sugar substitute.
Incorporate High-Fiber Ingredients
Fiber not only supports digestion but also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes. Adding oats, chia seeds, or flaxseeds to your recipes can create satisfying treats. Try making energy bites with dates, oats, almond butter, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a quick, nutrient-dense snack.
Focus on Nutrient Density
The key to guilt-free indulgence is ensuring your treats are as nutritious as they are delicious. Swap refined sugars for natural sweeteners like honey, monk fruit, maple syrup, or mashed bananas. Use whole-grain flour instead of white flour to increase the nutritional value of your baked goods. For chocolate lovers, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) provides antioxidants and a rich flavor without excessive sugar.
Experiment with Seasonal Flavors
Harness the festive spirit by incorporating holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into your recipes. These add warmth and depth to your treats without extra calories. Pumpkin or sweet potato puree can be used in muffins or brownies for a naturally sweet and fiber-rich twist.
Practice Portion Control
Even the healthiest treats can add up if consumed in large quantities. Opt for bite-sized servings to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it. Mini cupcakes or pre-portioned snack bags can help you enjoy your treats mindfully.
Health Hack for Drinks
Festive beverages can also be a source of hidden calories and high sugar levels. Create lighter versions of holiday classics like hot cocoa made with unsweetened almond milk, dark cocoa powder, and a touch of stevia. Or try a protein-rich eggnog alternative using vanilla protein powder and nutmeg. If you are opting for alcohol, have an 8 ounce glass of water for each alcoholic drink to curb your intake. Try spritzers by adding sparking water to wine to reduce alcohol and caloric intake. Opt for low-calorie and no sugar mixes and be sure to limit your total number of drinks to keep your health in check.
Online Recipes
There are thousands of healthy treat recipes online. You don’t necessarily have to eliminate your favorites. Make a few swaps and you can still enjoy your holiday treats!
With these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season guilt-free while still indulging in its magic. After all, enjoying treats doesn’t mean compromising your health goals—it’s about balance and smart choices.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.