One of my AGING Gracefully principles is healthy living. Therefore, why not apply this philosophy to holiday sweet treats? In today’s blog, there’s sure to be a dessert recipe to please anyone in your life, from chocolate lovers to fruit fans. Who says desserts can’t be both healthier and absolutely scrumptious?
For the over 500 of you that are in my Facebook group, Lifesizing® for the 50+, my bet is that you could recite the 3 pillars of Healthy Living which are:
HEALTHY ATTITUDES, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND HEALTHY HOMES
Within these 3 pillars, how many of these pertain to experiencing a healthier holiday ? If you guessed two, HEALTHY ATTITUDE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, you are correct! You all are so much smarter now realizing that without changing our attitudes, absolutely nothing will change in our behaviors or eating during the holidays.
3 WAYS TO BEAT ADDING THOSE DREADED HOLIDAY POUNDS (AND THE GUILT AFTERWARDS!)
1. CHANGE INGREDIENTS
Do you realize that a cup of egg nog is 200 calories? With alcohol, a mere 1/2 cup is 265 calories! Perhaps you love it so much that you are willing to consume these calories but remember, trying to limit calories daily to 1800 or so if avoiding weight gain, calculate what else will you be eating. Simply substituting half and half for the heavy cream and using half the sugar, the calories are reduced dramatically.
2. EAT SMALLER PORTIONS
I do not wish stifle joy with my holiday eating. My trick is to only eat a small amount or limit how often I indulge in yummy holiday treats. Bob-Bob and I made pizelles for the holidays to enjoy ourselves along with for gift giving. How often I savor one of my fav holiday treats is a challenge for me so I keep track how many I have daily in addition to storing them in the garage out of immediate reach or site! 🙂
3. TRY THESE RECIPE IDEAS
I’ve included the original link to each dessert, which you’ll find underneath each recipe title. As always, I’d love for you to share your go-to healthier treat options in the comments!
PUMPKIN PIE MOUSSE
(IowaGirlEats)
Check out this awesome recipe on Kristen’s blog.
Pumpkin pie is a holiday treat staple. This guilt free mousse will satisfy your sweet cravings and is easy to make. No baking needed plus it is gluten free!
Here is the fabulous Kristen Porter aka Iowa Girl Eats, check out her awesome blog!
FUDGY CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES
(Health)
This recipes uses a blend of sugar and calorie-free sweetener, plus low-fat ingredients. It’s hard to believe that this rich, chocolatey dessert is only 127 calories per serving! Plus, a single batch makes 16 servings, so this is a good one to serve at parties.
OATMEAL-NUT CRUNCH APPLE PIE
Photo courtesy of Eating Well
Who doesn’t love a slice of apple pie during the holiday season? I love that this particular recipe is low in cholesterol and sodium, but high in fiber. To save prep time, feel free to use a store-bought whole wheat pie crust.
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES
(NeverHomemaker)
Peppermint is a flavor best enjoyed during the holidays, and this recipe also happens to be vegan! It calls for maple syrup as a sweetener, and has that classic mint-chocolate flavor combination, much like a Girl Scout thin mint. Yum!
VANILLA POMEGRANATE PARFAITS
(EatingWell)
Photo courtesy of Eating Well
This rich, creamy, tart parfait checks in at only 200 calories, and it’s also gluten free. Tip: serve in festive holiday dessert cup to up the “wow” factor.
CRANBERRY COCONUT BREAD PUDDING
Photo courtesy of Eating Well
This is not your momma’s bread pudding! With whole wheat bread, fresh cranberries, candied ginger and toasted coconut, this dessert is sure to be memorable amongst your friends and family. Plus, 250 calories for a bread pudding is definitely a plus.
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TRUFFLE PIE
(Holiday Deliciousness)
This decadent pie is one of my own recipes from my “Holiday Deliciousness” cookbook. This dessert really does need whipped cream to complete it, but overall, is much lower in sugar, fat and calories than many other holiday pies. To see how to prepare this yummy treat, check out this fun video from the archives.
From me to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Be well age well,
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