As we dive into the holiday season, I can’t help but get excited about all the festive gatherings, delicious treats, and moments with loved ones. But let’s be honest—it can be a real challenge to stick to healthy habits with all the indulgences.

That’s why I wanted to share some fantastic holiday eating hacks from Alyson Chugerman, a talented Integrative Nutritionist and Health Empowerment Coach who’s been in the wellness world for over 24 years.

Here are three creative holiday hacks and delicious recipes that will let us enjoy all the season’s flavours—without overdoing it. These ideas are perfect for those who want to indulge a little but still prioritize their well-being.

So, let’s explore Alyson’s tips and see how we can savour the season without sacrificing our health goals!

Holiday Eating Hack #1: Portion-Friendly Mini Appetizers

Serving food in bite-sized portions lets you enjoy a variety of flavours without going overboard. Try mini servings of holiday favourites that guests can savour without feeling stuffed. Wow, your guests with these mini sweet potato bites.

Mini Sweet Potato Bites with Cranberry and Pecan Topping

Spoon Fork 12-15 bites (serves 6-8 as an appetizer)
Clock 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or cranberry sauce)
1/4 cup pecans, halved
1 T. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Olive oil spray (optional, for roasting)
Sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat Oven: 400°F
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray or brush with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Roast: Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until soft and golden on the edges.
  4. Cranberry Topping: While sweet potatoes roast, heat the fresh cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat with 1–2 tablespoons of water until they begin to burst and soften (about 5–7 minutes). Mash slightly and stir in maple syrup and cinnamon.
  5. Assemble: Once sweet potatoes are done, top each round with a spoonful of cranberry mixture and a pecan half.
  6. Serve: Serve warm as a tasty appetizer!

This appetizer combines sweet, tender potatoes with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, aiding digestion and gut health, and packed with Vitamin A for eye health and immunity, thanks to their beta carotene. The cranberries provide antioxidants, while the pecans add healthy fats.

These nutrient-dense bites offer the festive sweetness of a traditional dish in a perfectly portioned, healthy treat.

Holiday Eating Hack #2: Lighter Versions of Classics

Swap out heavy ingredients with lighter, nutrient-rich alternatives to create a healthier version of traditional dishes. After trying these cauliflower mashed potatoes, you might not want to go back to the traditional version!

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Spoon Fork 4-5 servings
Clock 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or 1/4 cup cashew cream for dairy-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for creaminess)
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
  2. Drain and Dry: Drain the cauliflower well, then place it back in the pot and let it sit for a minute on low heat to evaporate any excess water.
  3. Blend: Transfer cauliflower to a food processor. Add Greek yogurt (or cashew cream), minced garlic, and olive oil or butter if using. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Season: Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Blend again to incorporate.
  5. Garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped chives for a fresh finish.
  6. Serve: Serve hot as a side dish.

Cauliflower is a low-carb, fibre-rich alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, offering a lighter, flavorful option. Greek yogurt (or cashew cream) provides creaminess without the saturated fat of cream or butter. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh chives for a pop of colour.

Holiday Eating Hack #3: Dessert with Hidden Nutrition

This hack has you creating a dessert that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with nutritional benefits, like fibre, vitamins, and natural sweetness. This dark chocolate avocado mousse recipe might even become your new mid-week treat.

Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Pomegranate Seeds

Spoon Fork 4 servings
Clock 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
1–2 T. honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (for topping)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  2. Blend: In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, melted chocolate, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mousse and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a bit more honey or maple syrup.
  4. Chill: Transfer the mousse to serving bowls or glasses and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let it firm up.
  5. Garnish: Top with fresh pomegranate seeds before serving for a bright pop of colour and flavour.
  6. Serve: Enjoy chilled as a rich, guilt-free dessert!

Avocados are packed with nutrients, including fibre to aid digestion, lower blood sugar, and support weight management. They’re also rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol. In this mousse, avocado adds a creamy texture while sneaking in extra nutrients.

Dark chocolate provides antioxidants, making this dessert both indulgent and nutrient-dense—perfect for boosting immunity and energy during the busy season. Topped with vibrant pomegranate seeds, which are rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage, this dessert not only tastes great but looks stunning too.

For even more holiday wellness tips, tricks, and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our VFL Show: Holiday Wellness & Gift Extravaganza! You can catch the replay anytime in our Wellness Center—don’t miss out on all the inspiration to make this season your healthiest yet.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of laughter. May you find time to relax, recharge, and savour the moments that truly matter.

Here’s to a festive season full of fun, good health, and wellness!

Gaetane
www.gaetaneferland.com

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