‘Tis the season for joy, laughter, and a bit of indulgence but that doesn’t mean waving goodbye to your fitness goals. With a macro-friendly mindset, you can savor the holiday spirit without compromising on your fitness and nutrition goals. One delightful way to stay on track is by incorporating a few creative twists on holiday classics. These macro friendly recipes are perfect whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending as a guest, or simply enjoying a cozy stay-at-home celebration. They offer a balance of macros – proteins, carbs, and fats – to keep your meals nutritious yet festive. Enjoy these treats as you celebrate the season without stressing over your diet and guilt-free.

High-Protein Holiday Eggnog

This macro recipe updates the classic holiday eggnog  with a protein boost for a festive yet healthy treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

– 2 eggs (if you want to keep tradition)

– 1 scoop Clean Simple Eats vanilla protein powder

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

– Optional: 1-2 ounces bourbon, rum or a non-alcoholic alternative for a festive touch

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetener.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
4. If adding alcohol, stir it in at this point.
5. Refrigerate for at least an hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
6. Before serving, give it a good stir, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for garnish.

Zucchini Latkes

This quick and macro friendly meal offers a lighter twist on the traditional potato-based dish, making them a delicious addition to your celebration in just five minutes.

Ingredients:

– 2 medium zucchinis, grated

– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

– 1 egg, beaten

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Cooking spray or olive oil for pan-frying

– Greek yogurt or applesauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a bowl, combine the grated zucchinis, whole wheat flour, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, beaten egg, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Spoon the zucchini mixture onto the skillet, forming small latkes. Flatten each with a spatula.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer the latkes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve immediately with a side of Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce for dipping, if desired.

Speedy Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Walnuts

This versatile and easy to make quinoa salad is not only delicious but is also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and a festive touch of pomegranate. This one is sure to please even the pickiest of palates!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pre-cooked quinoa (room temperature or chilled)

– 1/2 cup pomegranate arils

– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted or raw)

– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or gorgonzola (optional)

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, feta cheese (if using), and fresh mint.
2. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture./li>
3. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve this delightful and colorful quinoa salad as a quick, macro-friendly holiday dish that accommodates various dietary preferences.

Toasted Walnuts (Optional):

Heat a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add your walnuts to the pan and toast for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure not to step away so the walnuts don’t burn.

Note:

If you don’t have access to pre-cooked quinoa, making it at home yourself is super easy to do and only takes about 15 minutes.
Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa and add to a 4 quart saucepan with 2 cups of water or your preferred broth or stock. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 10-20 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all of the liquid. Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork, season to taste and let cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge if serving cold on the salad.

Wrapping Up Your Holiday Nutrition

These macro friendly indulgences will not only satisfy your holiday cravings but also provide easy ways to keep you on track so you can relax and enjoy your plans (or non-plans) knowing that your nutrition is taken care of.

Small tweaks really can make a big difference in your celebrations. So, as you navigate through the festivities, remember that you can savor the season while staying active and fit.

Wishing you a happy and macro-friendly holiday season! 🌟