Even for those who are health conscious and careful about what they eat all year long, the holidays are a time when people easily slip into less than optimal eating habits. Good news! You do not have to choose between enjoying holiday treats and maintaining your healthy lifestyle. Here are four ingredients that can be added to holiday recipes for a healthier version of your favorite holiday-season indulgences.
Dark Chocolate
Cocoa in the form of dark chocolate can enhance cardiovascular health and contain flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, plus it tastes decadent and delicious. 1 You can replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate in any recipe that calls for it, for a healthier version. Choose dark chocolate with a high flavonoid content to reap the most health benefits. 2
Cranberries
Cranberry is a traditionally festive flavor that you can feel good about. Cranberries have a number of health benefits, including Improving urinary tract and cardiovascular health, as well as the potential for cancer prevention. 3 Toss some dried cranberries into your favorite holiday cookie or square recipe, and add an extra helping of homemade cranberry sauce to your plate this holiday.
Cinnamon
Although more studies need to be conducted on the various species of cinnamon to determine its efficacy, it has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years and may be beneficial for those with diabetes and gastrointestinal issues. 4 At the very least, cinnamon is a healthier way to add some festive flavor to your holiday treats than by loading up on the typical sugary candy and processed milk chocolate. Try making your own decadent hot chocolate using dark chocolate, nut milk, and cinnamon for all of the indulgence and none of the sugar of your usual holiday desserts.
Dates
If you are looking for an ingredient that can add sweetness to your holiday recipes without depending on refined sugar, dates are a great choice for you. Adding chopped or pureed dates to baked goods or raw desserts is a very effective way to sweeten them while remaining health conscious. 5 Dates are a good source of iron and fiber, however they do contain a significant amount of natural sugars and should be eaten in moderation. 6
Raw Dark Chocolate Truffles
These raw dark chocolate truffles are a healthy way to indulge this season. Customize them to your tastes by choosing from the recipe’s suggested toppings or adding your own.
Recipe courtesy of Bastyr University.
Ingredients
2 cups walnuts
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 small Hass avocado, cut into small chunks
2 tbsp. raw honey
1⁄4 cup coconut oil
1⁄2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1⁄2 cup cocoa or cacao, unsweetened (plus more if used as an optional topping)
1 pinch salt
Optional Toppings
Shredded coconut
Cocoa nibs
Sesame seeds
Chia seeds
Chopped cranberries
Sea salt
Cinnamon
Instructions
Add the walnuts and dates to a food processor and pulse for 1-2 minutes, until finely chopped and beginning to stick together.
Add in remaining ingredients until well blended. The fudge “dough” will stick together and be moist.
Remove fudge from the food processor and form into a ball, then break off small chunks and roll into about 15 smaller balls.
Roll the balls in the toppings of your choice (or sprinkle if using sea salt).
Once rolled, place the balls in the fridge. This will allow the coconut oil to firm up, creating a delicious fudgelike truffle.
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