4 Tips for Finding Balance During the Holidays + Recipes!

With the holidays rapidly approaching, we know it can be a tough time to maintain your healthy habits. Many holiday recipes are indulgent, & it can sometimes feel like there are holiday parties every other day in December. During all of this, it can feel overwhelming to stick to your normal routine. But here’s a secret: the holidays don’t have to be all-or-nothing!

At Snap, we’re here to support your healthy habits. But sometimes, healthy habits can include straying away from your healthy lifestyle for a meal or two. Balance is an important part of healthy eating (& life!); you don’t have to maintain a strict diet or forego all healthy eating habits during the holiday season to stay healthy. You can hang somewhere in the middle (& maintain your sanity in the process!)

Our lead Registered Dietitian, Sam, is breaking down how you can bring balance to your holiday meals & enjoy them, too!

1. Practice mindful eating. If you eat slowly & take some time to focus on your food, it’ll be easier to stop once you’ve had enough.
2. Make sure most of your meals include protein & healthy fats. A balanced plate with protein, healthy fat & fiber (veggies!) will keep your blood sugar stable & help prevent sugar cravings. This is especially true at breakfast. Want a taste of a sweet breakfast option? Have a small serving on the side, or take a bite after you’ve had your normal breakfast.
3. Prepare ahead, especially if you’re following a special eating pattern like gluten-free, Whole30, AIP or Keto. If you know that options will be limited at the party, dinner or event, you can eat something before you leave home. This is not to say that you can’t eat at the party but instead ensures that you aren’t so hungry that you want to eat all.the.things once you get there. If you’re going to a party or dinner at someone’s house, ask if you can bring a side dish or dessert that works for you & your own dietary restrictions.
4. Get help if you need it! Especially during the holiday season, it can be hard to find time to prepare fresh meals. If you’re finding that’s the case for you, give yourself the gift of one of our meal plans. They’re super flexible, so you can order only what you need & make the majority of your meals nourishing ones, even during the busy holiday season.

At the end of the day, it’s important to realize that the holidays will only impact your goals & your health if you let a few meals turn into a couple of month’s worth of choices that don’t support your body. As long as the majority of your choices in November & December are healthful ones, you’ll find yourself feeling great going into January.

And speaking of bringing a side dish, we’re giving you a couple of Snap-approved recipes below. Bring them to your next holiday gathering for a side that will satisfy both your taste buds & your real food requirements.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples Recipe

For the Brussels:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, cut in half
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ Tbsp sea salt
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Apples:

• 1 lb apples, diced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

Here’s how to cook the recipe!

1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. In a large mixing bowl, add Brussels sprouts, then drizzle olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle sea salt & paprika over sprouts & toss to blend again.
4. Place onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray, making sure to spread the Brussels sprouts out evenly.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until sprouts start to brown/crisp on edges, & centers have cooked through.
6. While the Brussels are cooking, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat & pour in the olive oil.
7. Mix the apples with the salt & apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
8. Add the apples to the pre-heated skillet. Cook & stir until the apples have softened. Remove the skillet from heat.
9. Once the Brussels are done cooking, add them to the skillet & toss to combine. Top with toasted pecans if desired.

Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2-3 lb butternut squash, diced
• 1 ½ Tbsp sea salt
• ½ Tbsp black pepper
• 1 ½ Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro

Here’s how to cook the recipe!

1. Preheat the oven to 325°.
2. Peel butternut squash & cut in half lengthwise. Remove seeds. Dice. You can also buy pre-diced to save time!
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt & pepper.
4. Evenly spread squash on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
5. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until squash is tender & lightly browned.
6. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds & chopped cilantro before serving.

What are your favorite healthy holiday tips or recipes? Share them with us in the comments!