The festive season can be a particularly challenging time of year for people who are trying to get fit. Chocolate, peppermint treats and rum balls are tempting at the best of times, but during Christmas, everything is more appealing. To curb your appetite for the foods that drain your energy and spike your sugar levels, we’re sharing five healthy recipes that your whole family will love.
1. Raw Gingerbread Protein Balls (Vegan) (GF)
These mouth-watering protein balls are a fantastic energy-enriching alternative to regular gingerbread men, especially for foodies with a penchant for sweet treats and cinnamon.
Simply pick your favourite healthy protein powder (vanilla works really well) and use a food processor to combine it with almonds, oats, nutmeg, ginger and dates until well combined. Then, just roll into balls and store in the fridge.
Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Cooking time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 80g dates (stoned)
- 40g vanilla protein powder
- 30g oats (regular or gluten free)
- 25g almonds
- 10g agave syrup
- 3/4tsp ginger
- 1/2tsp nutmeg
2. Colourful Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies (Vegetarian) (GF)
There’s nothing better than succulent cremini mushrooms and golden brown cauliflower – especially when they’re drizzled with garlic, olive oil and Italian herbs. Mushrooms are full of essential nutrients for boosting your energy, and if you pair them with tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots or sweet potato, they’re even more powerful.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20-30 mins
Ingredients:
- cremini mushrooms
- cauliflower
- veggies of your choice
- garlic cloves
- olive oil
- Italian herbs
- salt and pepper to taste
3. Lemon and Pepper Salmon with Asparagus
Salmon’s nutritional benefits have been touted for decades, and with good reason too! This tasty fish is high in omega-3s, proteins, energy-boosting B vitamins and so much more. It’s also very easy to cook. Just line a baking dish with parchment paper, place your salmon fillets in the center of the pan and brush with lemon juice, garlic, pepper, dijon, and onion powder. Bake for 15-20 mins and add in some asparagus for an extra dose of Vitamin K.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 & 1/2 lbs salmon with the skin on
- 2 & 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 & 1/2 – 2 lbs asparagus (medium or thin spears), tough ends trimmed
4. Cranberry Chicken with Salad
Everyone loves roasted cranberry chicken, especially at Christmas time. This delectable cranberry skillet dish is simple, easy to make and oh so tasty. Just season your chicken with thyme, rosemary and garlic and then roast to perfection over baby potatoes, carrots and cranberries. Your relatives will be begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 45 mins
Ingredients:
- 4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic
- Zest + juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 & 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic
5. Apple and Cinnamon Smoothie
Smoothies are one of the quickest ways to fill your body with nourishing, energy-rich nutrients. And what better flavour for Christmas than apple and cinnamon? Simply dice your apples into small pieces and toss in the blender with two bananas, yoghurt, oats, cinnamon and protein powder. The riper your bananas are, the sweeter your smoothie will be.
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas
- 2-3 apples
- 180g greek yoghurt
- handful of rolled oats
- 2 plain cookies
- dash of cinnamon
- protein powder
- extra water as needed
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