Thanksgiving is a wonderful time when Americans can stuff their faces with turkey, mashed potatoes, pie and more without being judged. Because I mean if I’m being honest, I eat a TON on Thanksgiving because how can you not?! The key is to try choose more of the healthier options instead of the bad ones. So, in honor of Thanksgiving in a couple days, here are some healthier (but still delicious) options to make for your holiday get togethers that your family will be sure to love! Here are twists on some of my favorites at my family’s Thanksgivings:
I’m a HUGE dip fan, it’s definitely hands down my all time favorite snack! But, sometimes its hard because dips aren’t always the healthiest snacks in the world. And if you’re like me, once you start eating dip, you can’t stop! So, for those of you who are like me or if you just enjoy a good dip every now and then, here are 5 healthy dip recipes for you to try and not feel guilty after accidentally over-indulging:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! It’s the time for costumes, spooky treats, candy, and scary movies! I know this is a health blog, but on Halloween everyone loves and deserves to enjoy a delicious treat. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some yummy treats. So, lets check out some delicious, healthy-ish, treats for you to try out and enjoy this Halloween!
Do you ever really stop to think about the foods that you eat and where they come from? The benefits? The drawbacks? I just recently watched a few documentaries in my health promotion classes “What the Health,” and “Forks Over Knives” that really shocked me and make me rethink my diet.
With everything going on our lives on a daily basis like work, school, running errands, or whatever else it may be that’s keeping you busy, it’s nice to have an easy-to-make, yummy meal that’s waiting for you when you get home after a long day. Crockpot meals are the absolute BEST when it comes to finding time to make meals while living a busy life. You can’t go wrong with these meals that are easy, ready when you get home from work, healthy, and of course delicious!!! Here are some great recipes to try out this season!
Creamy Beef Stroganoff
This creamy, delicious crockpot beef stroganoff is a wonderful spin-off of your classic stroganoff. Its made with sour cream, steak or stew meat, and no cream of soup! I mean what’s better than a big bowl of noodles to fill you up on a cold fall day?!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggie recipe is SO easy to make, not to mention super delicious. Just throw everything in the pot, let it stew all day in juicy goodness, and that’s it! No cooking, no sautéing, just let it sit and open at dinner time for an awesome meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic chicken?! Yes please! This crock pot dish has so much flavor, you’ll come home to the amazing aroma of balsamic-laced chicken with onions and tomatoes and all kinds of delicious sauce. Gotta love a good sauce!
Let’s be real, we all snack. Whether it be between classes, at work, laying on the couch at home, or a late night snack, we’re all guilty of it. Snacking has often been seen as the enemy of a healthy diet, but actually, snacking isn’t bad for you if you do it in moderation and make healthy choices. Try these tips to do both!
Fuel up between meals with a combination of food groups. One fruit or veggie serving combined with a serving of whole grains, protein or a dairy makes for a delicious snack to keep you going throughout the day!
Some ideas to choose from for fruits or veggies: Pear, apple, mixed berries, bell pepper, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, pineapple, peaches, salsa, spinach, or banana
Some ideas to choose from for whole grains, protein, or dairy: sharp cheddar, corn tortilla chips, yogurt, guacamole, hummus, fresh mozzarella cheese + balsamic vinegar, cottage cheese, tortilla + cheese, pita bread + turkey + swiss cheese, or pita bread + hummus
As a college student, I know it can be hard to go all day in classes or working without having a little snack in between. Even staying up late studying in the library can make you hungry! So, here are a few ideas for snacks that is a little bit better for you than things like chips, sweets, or ramen noodles (not to mention these healthy snacks give you a ton more energy and make you feel better!).
Easy Snacks to Take to Class:
Sliced Veggies
Fresh Fruit
Rice Cakes w/ Peanut Butter
Nuts & Seeds
Dried Fruit
String Cheese
Granola
Late Night Hunger? Try This:
Popcorn
Yogurt w/ Fruit
Pretzels & Hummus
Corn Tortilla Chips & Fresh Salsa or Guacamole
Cottage Cheese
Whole Grain Crackers
Pitas or Tortillas
Of course these are just some examples of some of the MANY combos of snacks you could make! But hopefully this helps you build some delicious, nutritious snacks that’ll keep you going and satisfy your hungry all day long! Happy snacking everyone!
