10 Low Calorie Recipes to Bring to Your Holiday Party for Weight Loss
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and reflecting on the past year. Planning out your holiday meals can be stressful. Considering who is coming, how much food to make, what you're making, and if you will be satisfying all your guests with their signature favorites can be a lot! From sweet corn pudding (which is by far my favorite side dish) to green bean casserole, adding in your holiday veggies is important. Incorporating veggies into your meals not only adds fiber but also valuable vitamins and minerals. Including vegetables in your meals is extremely important. Veggies are rich in nutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, which boost your immune system and help fight off disease. Try bringing these side dishes to your next holiday party:
Farro, Walnut, and Cranberry Salad
This is a great complex-carb meal that celebrates some seasonal flavors. Swap this recipe instead of white rice!
RECIPE
Young Lettuce and Shaved Winter Vegetable Salad
Salads can be difficult during the winter, but this salad looks perfect! Bring it to your holiday party and ensure that you’ll have something that you can be pleased with eating.
RECIPE
Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions
Doesn’t anything with pearl onions look a little bit fancier? I tried not to add too many green bean recipes (because I know that’s a usual go-to anyway) but this recipe looked like a creative way to get that favorite veg in!
RECIPE
Fennel Beet Salad
Fennel is such an underrated vegetable that’s a great alternative to other salad greens! Bring this salad to your New Year’s Eve party so you can add on some more alcohol calories instead ;)
RECIPE
Marinated Mushrooms
What an interesting take on mushrooms! These would be a great appetizer for a holiday party that keeps produce fun!
RECIPE
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Okay, this one is mostly for me! I have some frozen cranberries in my fridge that I need to use up, but I have made this recipe before and it’s a winner! A great way to work in some fruit on your holiday plate.
Cinnamon-Sweetened Clementines
A great dessert (or sweet appetizer?) option! Citrus always surprises me in that it is technically in season in the winter months, but we’ll take it! Try this super simple fruit item for your New Year’s Eve party!
RECIPE
Poached Pears with Saffron Whipped Cream
I have made these before! At a winter dinner party and it was a hit! Great for those who want a little something sweet but also trying to get that produce serving in.
RECIPE
Persimmon and Roasted Chicory Shallot Vinaigrette
If you aren’t on the persimmon band-wagon, you need to get on it! Just a great winter produce option that you are missing out on. Bring this salad to Christmas dinner and everyone will be so impressed.
RECIPE
Winter Vegetable Crudite Board
Lots of our clients go for charcuterie boards when entertaining and this is my go-to recommendation for a lower-calorie option. Make a fun crudite board. Add in the green goddess dip for even more fun.