Simple Low Calorie Holiday Dinner
Low calorie holiday dinner menu can be easily achieved by selecting whole food options when celebrating the season. Many Americans are playing it safe to stay home for the holidays commemorate the festivities in their own way to give thanks. in 2020. Holiday’s are usually considered a time to indulge in eating foods high in calories lead to packing on extra weight. The average person gains 10 pounds during the holidays leading to discontentment about their weight. Staying on track with your diet during the holidays can be a challenge but not impossible. Healthy low-calorie recipes eliminate saturated fats, reduce sweeteners without sacrificing taste. Holiday dinner is a great time to get together with the immediate family in your home environment relaxing during the holidays is favored this season.
One Christmas meal can measure in at 3,000 calories raking in thrid while on Thanksgiving and Superbowl Sunday the average person consumes between 2,000 to 2,500 calories at one meal. No need to skimp on your favorite dish just modify the ingredients used in each recipe suited to your dietary preferences. Plan a low-calorie holiday dinner menu ahead of time by making a few dishes one day in advance as heat and serve options the day of the celebration. Give yourself more time to spend with the family and less time slaving in the kitchen with careful preparation having fresh ingredients on hand makes cooking a breeze.
Healthy Holiday eating well makes celebrating at home a special event simplifying the menu with classic holiday hors d’oeuvres platter served with sessional beverage compliments any meal. Sugar free treats is a low-calorie option for those who are watching their weight. Reduce holiday stress planning in advance by creating low calorie nutritious meals seasoned to perfection. Holiday candy canes are usually a staple product on average 176 billion of the festive mint-flavored red and white sticks make popular treats hung on trees for decoration or used as stocking stuffers as a special treat. Candy canes can also be made into a decorative non edible wreath gluing the candy into a circular pattern. to adorn your home decor.
Spice food flavorings are used in a variety of food preparation methods to enhance the taste of any cuisine. Culinary Spices and herbs are now used to flavor foods enriching entrees, side dishes, desserts with aerobic flavors create a foundation for many recipes. Spices are also used in medicine, perfume, cosmetics, or religious rituals. Spices are distinguished from herbs which are the stems, leaves, flowers of plants used to flavor or garnish foods. Other seasonings are made from a mix of spices in combination with homemade seasoning blends that create distinct flavors. Spices are low in calories packed with nutrition adding a unique flavor to any dish without sacrificing taste.
Store spices in a 12 glass jar revolving spice rack organizer keep spices fresh and sit on countertop surfaces or placed inside a cabinet for storage without taking up too much space. The tops are easy to open and put out the contents easily available for any recipe. The contemporary herb, spice rack carousel provides quick access to all of your favorite flavors in the kitchen keeping all your seasoning bottles within reach perfectly suited for any kitchen perfect for creating a low calorie holiday dinner.
Tips Low Calorie Holiday Dinner
- Stay on your diet before and after the holidays.
- Plan meals in advance. Use healthy recipes that reduce fats and sugars
- Limit alcoholic beverages. Opt for black coffee, tea, lemon water instead
- Eat a digestive enzyme bromelain an all-natural supplement derived from papaya to help digestion
- Follow portation control guidelines
- Cut the carbohydrates like bread, muffins, cakes, and rolls eat in moderation
- Enjoy a low-calorie, fat-free, sugar-free dessert.
- Go for a long walk after dinner to burn off the extra calories.
- Don’t go to dinner hungry. This leads to overeating
- Natural appetite suppressant Drink one glass of lemon water before eating
Enjoy Seasonal Traditions
Holiday traditions can be successfully celebrated by enjoying moments at home with your immediate family celebrating the season especially one of importance. According to the USDA, over 244 million turkeys raised in the US with 22 million turkeys consumed during Christmas festivities nationwide. Christmas has a mix of popular traditional customs of the holiday season celebrated as a significant event rich in establishing holiday ritual costumes. the economic activity representing key sales for retailers during the shopping season.
Gather around the dining room table with the immediate family member in your home give thanks for all that we have enjoyed a low-calorie holiday dinner Overindulging on our favorite appetizers, meats, side dishes, and desserts can easily pack on a few pounds and sabotage our diet. Control appetite naturally drinking one glass of water with the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in the morning to reduce hunger cravings. Eat plenty of fresh organic vegetables, fruits, lean protein, low-calorie side dishes, drinks, sugar-free desserts. to stay on track with your diet and weight loss goals.
Enjoying a huge meal consisting of traditional recipes containing large amounts of butter, fats, and sugars will lead to unwanted calories and adding extra pounds during the holiday season. Easily stay on track with your diet by changing the recipes. Reducing the fat and keeping all the flavors you enjoy. There is no need to skimp on your favorite dish just modify the ingredients used in each recipe. Plan your meals ahead and save time by making a few dishes one day in advance. Make your dinner party run smoothly with careful preparation and planning. Give yourself more time to spend with the family and less time slaving in the kitchen.
Low-Calorie Appetizers
Low calorie appetizers made from fresh ingredients can make a great first impression serving a platter with whole grain crackers, fresh fruit, olives combined with yogurt fruit dip is simply delicious. Appetizers are small bites of food that your company can enjoy before dinner with a low-calorie drink, tea, or coffee. Make these pre-dinner bites with fresh low-calorie ingredients packed with a combination of flavors your guests will love to dig into. Top a whole grain wheat cracker with a small piece of low-fat cheddar cheese or vegan cheese, and a square slice of tofu turkey topped with a slice of cherry tomato. Arrange the low-calorie appetizers on a platter served before the meal begins.
Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to make custom bite-size appetizers that taste great and look amazing. Choose products that are low in calories, low-fat, sugar-free, and have good nutritional value. This will help you and your guests stay on track with their diet during the holiday season. Appetizers can be made out of fresh cubed fruit wrapped in tofu lunch meat topped with a cherry tomato and a basil leaf or other tempting small bites of food. Try slices of cucumber topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and a slice of cherry tomato for a fresh appetizer. Whole wheat crackers topped with a dollop of mustard a slice of tofu lunch meat cut into squares and a bay leaf. Serve your guests lean, low-calorie appetizers at your next party and enjoy the festivities.
Skewer a small cherry tomato, a ball of low-fat mozzarella cheese, a second tomato, and top with a bay leaf drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Place the appetizers on a platter to serve. These are simple to make and are low in calories delicious appetizers. Fresh apple slices drizzled with melted peanut butter topped with granola is a refreshing treat. Serve fresh cup apple slices sprinkled with lemon juice along with low-fat goat cheese, lean tofu turkey slices, wheat crackers, pitted olives, and a side salad.
Low calorie appetizers and beverages before the meal is a great way to begin any dinner party. Creating healthy Hors D’ oeuvres for your next party served before a low calorie holiday dinner sets the tone for the festivities to begin. Dieting should never stand in the way of an event. Now you don’t have to stress out about throwing a party and maintaining your diet. Make fantastic low-calorie appetizers mini bites of food placed tray out with olives, roasted peppers, low-calorie goat cheese, whole wheat crackers, pickles, and tomatoes for a simple and fresh low-calorie appetizer. Today’s low-calorie appetizers are fresh-cut vegetables, fruit, wheat crackers, low-fat goat cheese, pitted olives, and garden vegetable dip using low-fat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. This is so delicious you will want to make it during the week to dip your cut vegetables in.
Vegetable Garden Dip Ingredients
Ingredients
2 cups of plain yogurt
½ Cup finely diced carrots Diced
1 Package of frozen drained thawed spinach (squeeze out all the water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a bowl add the plain yogurt and seasonings garlic powder, onion powder, salt. Taste the mixture and determine if you want more seasoning. Add more seasoning to taste if desired
Add the spinach and carrots. Mix well with a mixer to blend
Chill the dip in the refrigerator and let the flavors combine.
This is a delicious dip served with fresh-cut vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, and asparagus. Serve the chilled garden vegetable dip in a small blow in the center of a large platter. Cut your washed vegetables into bite-size pieces and arrange the vegetables around the platter surrounding the dip. This is a delicious and healthy dip for vegetables.
Low Calorie Holiday Calorie Dinner
Enjoying a huge meal consisting of traditional recipes containing large amounts of butter, fats, and sugars will lead to unwanted calories and adding extra pounds during the holiday season. Easily stay on track with your diet by changing the recipes and eliminating the dangerous fats and sugars. Reducing the fat and keeping all the flavors you enjoy. There is no need to skimp on your favorite dish just modify the ingredients used in each recipe. Plan your meals ahead and save time by making a few dishes one day in advance. Make your dinner party run smoothly with careful preparation and planning. Give yourself more time to spend with the family and less time slaving in the kitchen. I have entertained Thanksgiving dinner for over 20 years and I have found great recipes and tips that you and your family will enjoy during this holiday season.
Turkey is packed full of protein and is considered a traditional entrée during the holiday season. Turkeys vary in size and weight and need to be cooked according to the specification on the package. Turkey is packed with protein and is considered a lean and healthy meat. Save time in the kitchen by cooking in advance. Turkey is easy to prepare one day ahead of time and clean up can be a breeze if you want to save time in the kitchen. Heat and serve your turkey the next day on a large platter drizzled with pan juices from the cooking process to keep the meat moist. Other protein options served as the entree include salmon, beef roast, chicken, or ham.
Roasting the turkey in the oven is a great way to cook the bird and retain the natural juices and flavors for the low-fat gravy. You will need a large roasting pan. Defrost your turkey in the refrigerator. To clean the bird, remove the gizzards from the cavity, and discard the paper. Place the gizzards in a medium pan and cover with water. Bring the water to a slow simmer and cook until done for 1.5 hours. Keep the liquid for the gravy. Note: is important to clean and wash all surfaces and hands with soap and water before and after preparation.
Clean the bird in a clean sink and wash out the cavity at both ends and wash the skin off as well. Pat the turkey dry with a clean paper towel. In the bottom of your roasting pan add a rack of raw carrots, celery sticks on the bottom of the pan. Cut and add two large onions. The bottom of your roasting pan should be lined with vegetables. Prepare the turkey by sprinkling salt on the inside of each cavity. Add extra moisture under the skin of the turkey by separating the skin from the meat with your fingers on the breast of the turkey.
Roast Turkey Herb Seasoning Rub
In a bowl add 1 Cup of grape seed oil or olive. Add the herbs and seasoning of your choice,1 sprig of sage, 1 sprig of rosemary, 5 sprigs of thyme salt and pepper. Mix the oil and herbs in a food processor to puree. With your hands place the herbs and oil under the skin of the turkey and on the inside of the cavity to add flavor and moisture from the olive oil.
Fill the cavity of the bird with one sprig of rosemary, A few sprigs of thyme, 2 chopped onions, 2 cup carrots, and 2 cut stalks of celery and 2 basil leaf.
Rub the top of the turkey with olive oil. Tie the legs shut with twine and place the turkey on top of the vegetable rack. Preheat your oven to the recommended time for cooking. Each turkey will have cooking instructions on the package.
Cook the turkey 325 degrees for 3 1/2 hours according to the recommended suggestions on the package according to the weight and size of the bird. Add one cup of water to the roasting pan and cover the bird with parchment paper and foil to seal in the juices.
Baste the bird once per hour until done. In about three hours the internal temperature should reach 185 degrees F. Check the turkey 30 minutes before it is completely done to prevent overcooking.
Each oven may vary in temperature and it is a good idea to place an oven thermometer inside the oven to prevent overcooking. Once the turkey is completely cooked through remove the turkey pan from the oven and set the pan on a cooling rack. Keep the turkey covered and let the turkey cool for twenty minutes in the pan. Slice and serve the turkey on a large platter. Keep the pan juices from the low-fat gravy.
Low-Calorie Giblet & Turkey Gravy
Adding gravy to your turkey dinner is a great way to add additional flavors and moisture from the cooking process. Removing the fat and keeping all the juice from the turkey, vegetables, and giblets will give you a very tasty gravy sauce to pour over your cauliflower mash (taste like mashed potatoes low-fat recipe) Follow this simple recipe for healthy gray and top your turkey and vegetables with this delicious sauce.
Ingredients
All juice in the pan from cooking the turkey 8-6 cups of liquid
All the juice from cooking the giblets
Total 6-8 cups of liquid from the cooking process.
2 Tablespoons of flour or 1-2 packet of powder gravy mix (This adds great flavor)
1 Cup of hot water
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
Remove the fat from the cooking liquid by separating the liquid from the fat. If you prepare your turkey in advance you can refrigerate the cooled cooking liquid until it solidifies into a solid. Scrape the fat off the top of the liquid. Throw the fat away and keep the liquid for the gravy. If you are making the gravy right after cooking the turkey simply separate the fat from the liquid and discard it. The fat will float on top of the liquid making it easy to remove with a spoon, ladle or use an OXO Good Grip 4 Cup Fat Separator measuring cup that separates the fat from the liquid found in cooking stores and online at Amazon. This is a great tool to use in the kitchen for removing fat from the cooking liquid lowers calorie consumption from unhealthy saturated fats.
Low-Calorie Gravy
Use the cooking pan you cooked the turkey in. Remove all the turkey and vegetables. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any large bits and fat. Add all the liquid from the cooking process to the roasting pan.
Slowly heat the liquid to a simmer on top of the stove. Scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan and mix it in the gravy adding more flavor.
In a measuring cup add one cup of hot water and 2 tablespoons of flour or one to two packets of turkey gravy mix. (I personally like the turkey gravy mix to add flavor and thicken the gravy.) Mix the ingredients in the hot water.
Slowly add the flour and water mixture or the gravy mix and water to the simmering liquid. The liquid will thicken as it heats.
Serve in a gravy dish. The guests can pour the gravy over the turkey and cauliflower mash to add more turkey flavor without the fat. Your family will truly enjoy this low-calorie gravy recipe.
Cream Corn
Time Preparation: 5 minutes/ Serves 8
Corn has been a staple of the diet for centuries and is eaten off the corn cob or used in products and recipes we eat every day. Traditionally corn is served as a side dishes either plain, corn on the cob, or cream corn. Today’s healthy recipe is low calorie, low-fat cream corn side dish, using low-fat ingredients, and not using heavy cream or cream soups. Lighten this recipe with fat-free, sugar-free ingredients and your family will surely love this dish. Giving you delicious corn flavors and none of the fat.
Ingredients
2 15 ounce Cans of corn (drained) or 2 cups of frozen corn
Note: Garnish (Save two Tablespoons of whole cooked corn kernels to garnish the dish
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
Pinch of salt
Fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon of butter for flavoring (Optional)
2 green scallions sliced at an angle for garnish (Optional)
Instructions
Add the corn to a small pot
Add the soy milk to the corn and stir. Bring the mixture up to a simmer and heat through 3-5 min until the corn is cooked and tender
Use a blender or emersion blender to puree the corn and soy milk.
Add the salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Stir to combine
Serve hot. Sprinkle a few corn kernels on top of this creamy side dish to garnish
Your family will love this traditional side dish and won’t miss the heavy cream at all.
Cauliflower Mash
Traditionally mashed potatoes with lots of butter and heavy cream is made for dinner. Try the low-calories cauliflower mash made with fresh cauliflower, greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, and seasoning. Cut the fatty ingredients and reduce the calories of this family favorite. Top the mash with your low-fat giblet and turkey gravy for a creamy and delicious side dish. Perfect for any low-calorie holiday dinner side dish cauliflower mash is only 140 calories per one-cup serving.
Ingredients
1 large head of cauliflower cut into pieces
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup goat cheese or parmesan cheese or low-fat cheddar cheese or low-fat goat cheese. You choose the cheese you want to use in your cauliflower mash. Each cheese will give you a unique flavor and taste.
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon of salt
Fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (This will give you the flavor of butter without adding too many calories.)
Instructions
Steam the cut cauliflower on medium heat for 18 minutes until the cauliflower is fork tender
Place the cooked cauliflower in a bowl with the butter, Greek yogurt, and goat cheese or parmesan cheese. Use a food processor or an emersion blender to purée
Add seasoning to taste. Serve this side dish in a bowl topped with chopped scallions sliced at an angle to garnish. This dish is great for the holidays or during the week as a healthy side dish. Creamy delicious tastes like mashed potatoes without all the fat.
Low-Calorie Green Bean Casserole
This casserole dish is a yearly tradition for many families during the holiday season. Made with fried onions, creamy soups, and butter. Try this low-calorie version and you will have the entire flavor without all the fat. Dry your own onions in the oven and save on fattening calories. Make your oven into a dehydrator and make your own homemade dried onions without deep frying. Use the dried onions to top your green bean casserole or to top any other salad or family favorite. This low-calorie recipe takes extra time to prepare however the taste is fantastic and will become a family favorite.
Instructions for Dried Onions.
Preheat your oven to 178 degrees
Cut 4 – 6 large onions into thin slices.
Separate the onions into slivers and place the onions on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven for 2 to 2 ½ hours until the onions are dried and crumbly.
This will be used on top of the green bean casserole dish.
Green Bean Casserole Instructions
2 Cans of fat-free low-calorie cream of mushroom soup.
1 cup of plain almond milk or 1 cup soy milk
8 cups of cooked green beans or 4 cans of drained green beans
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl mix the soup, soy milk, and combine
Add the cooked green beans to the milk and soup mixture.
Add one cup of the dried onions save the rest of the onions for the topping
Add the mixture to a large casserole dishpan.
Top the casserole with the remaining onions.
Place the casserole in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
This is the low-calorie version and tasted great and is heart-healthy. Try dehydrating your onions for the green bean casserole and other dishes, soups, and salads. Use as a garnish to add extra crunch and flavor without the fat.
Apple Cinnamon Pie With Almond Crust
Apple Pie is traditionally made with ingredients, sugars, and heavy cream that will promote weight gain. Try this delicious sugar-free low- calorie Apple Cinnamon pie recipe with an almond crust at your next low-calorie holiday dinner. Almonds are high in protein and good fats your body needs to produce energy. Try this Paleo Almond crust recipe for your pies and low-calorie desserts. Use fresh ingredients and healthy oils to combine this pie dough. Use the dough right away or refrigerate the dough for later use in other recipes.
Use fresh ingredients and healthy oils to combine the pie dough. This pie crust recipe can be used to make all kinds of healthy desserts, pumpkin pie, apple pie, blueberry pie, peach pie, and much more. Lose the fattening butter and flour and try this fantastic healthy recipe for sugar-free Apple pie favorite recipe.
Almond Pie Crust
Ingredients
2 ½ cups almond flour
½ cup Tapioca flour
½ teaspoon of sea salt
2 eggs
4 tablespoons of coconut oil melted
Instructions
Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork to combine
Form the mixture into a ball and chill or use it right away.
Sprinkle some almond flour on the countertop and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
Roll the dough out ¼ inch thick 9 inches in diameter to fit an 8-inch pie shell.
Place the dough in the pie shell.
Fold the edges of the dough neatly around the pie shell
Make a decorative edge in the dough by using a wooden spoon or crimp the edges with your fingers to make a pattern around the edge of the crust. You can even use the extra dough. Roll out the dough in a 1/4 inch flat piece. Use a small cookie cutter in the shape of a maple leaf and cut out some shapes. Customize the pie adding decorative cutouts around the edge of the crust and gently brush with the egg wash as a festive option.
Apple Cinnamon Pie filling
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
8 apples peeled cored, sliced
2 tablespoon Brown Sugar Splenda sugar-free substitute
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well
Place the pie shell on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet
Pour the pie filling into the pie shell
Place the pie in a 425 degrees F oven for 15 minutes
Reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F and bake for 40 -50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean.
Serve cooled. Top with low-fat vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle with cinnamon to garnish.
Savory Eats Holiday Dinner
Save time and effort by putting out a full buffet table for guests. Set the table in a safe location that is out of the way for easy access. At one end set up a beverage area complete with an ice bucket, glasses, punch bowl with ladle, and low-calorie punch, drinks. Add the plates, utensils, and napkins. Save on space by rolling the utensils up in the napkins and place next to the plates. Place the appetizers, hot and cold side dishes, and the turkey on the buffet table. Guests can serve themself and you will have more time to spend with the family.
Guests can serve themself and you will have more time to spend with the family. Use these healthy recipes for your next low-calorie holiday dinner. Lose the fat and keep all flavors you enjoy the most. Staying on track with your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. The secret to weight loss is planning meals in advance and using organic low-fat, sugar-free ingredients in your recipes.
Low-calorie beverages are easy to prepare in advance chilled on ice or in the refrigerator until the meal is ready. Low calorie drinks can be served such as apple cider, apple spritzer, tea, coffee or lemon water on ice sweetened with Splenda or without sweeteners of any kind. to reduce calorie consumption. Sugar free peppermint creamer adds a festive touch to any beverage table. Dress a table for beverages including holiday table cloth, glasses, ice bowl with tongs, cups for coffee, tea, hot chocolate for self serve options.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash Photo by Dilyara Garifullina on Unsplash
