With the holidays rapidly approaching, we know it can be a tough time to maintain your healthy habits. Many holiday recipes are indulgent, and 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, supporting your healthy habits is always one of our main concerns. But sometimes, healthy habits can include straying away from your plan for a meal or two. Balance is an important part of healthy eating (and 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 (and maintain your sanity in the process!)

Our lead Registered Dietitian, Sam, shows us how you can bring balance to your holiday meals and enjoy them, too!

• Practice mindful eating. If you eat slowly and take some time to focus on your food, it’ll be easier to stop once you’ve had enough.
• Make sure most of your meals include protein and healthy fats. A balanced plate with protein, healthy fat and fiber (veggies!) will keep your blood sugar stable and 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.
• 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, then grab yourself some healthy prepared options (we can help). This way, you’re able to get in balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• 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.
• • If you’re going to a party or dinner at someone’s house, ask if you can bring a side dish.

Speaking of side dishes, 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 and your real food requirements.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples

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

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 and paprika over sprouts and 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, and centers have cooked through.
6. While the Brussels are cooking, heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil.
7. Mix the apples with the salt and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
8. Add the apples to the pre-heated skillet. Cook and stir until the apples have softened. Remove the skillet from heat.
9. Once the Brussels are done cooking, add them to the skillet and toss to combine. Top with toasted pecans if desired.

Roasted Butternut Squash

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

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

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