{"id":20185,"date":"2024-12-13T19:09:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T19:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fitfatherproject.com\/?p=19178"},"modified":"2024-12-13T19:09:16","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T19:09:16","slug":"best-healthy-christmas-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitfatherproject.com\/best-healthy-christmas-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Healthy Christmas Recipes For A Perfect Festive Dinner"},"content":{"rendered":"C<\/span>hristmas dinner is one of the best things about the Holiday season for me. Sitting down with family and friends to celebrate is the perfect way to round off a great day!<\/p>\n

\"HealthyTo get you prepared for your Christmas dinner this year, I want to give you some amazing healthy Christmas recipes.<\/p>\n

I've scoured hundreds of recipes and have come up with 3 healthy starters, 5 main courses (3 meats and 2 vegetarian), 5 sides, and 3 healthy desserts that I think give the perfect balance of healthiness and tastiness.<\/p>\n

To make it super easy, I've even gathered up all the ingredients you need for each and put them together into a complete grocery list for you.<\/p>\n

I hope you enjoy at least a few of these recipes on Christmas Day. If you do, shoot us over some snaps to support@fitfatherproject.com<\/a><\/p>\n

It would be great to see you guys enjoying our healthy Christmas recipes with your family!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Healthy Christmas Recipes: The Starters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The 3 starters I have for you below are all light, healthy, and bursting with flavor.<\/p>\n

They're all straightforward and easy to cook, so you won't need to spend hours in the kitchen away from your guests.<\/p>\n

In fact, you could pre-prepare and store them the day before, ready to put together and serve at just the right moment.<\/p>\n

Melon & Parma Ham<\/h3>\n

This healthy Christmas recipe is possibly the easiest one I have for you in this whole article, so a great one to kick off with.
\n\"Healthy
\nMelon and parma ham mixes two great flavors that really enhance one another.<\/p>\n

Adding Rocket to it for an extra kick of pepper really finishes this dish off nicely.<\/p>\n

Check out the full recipe and method here: Melon & Parma Ham<\/a><\/p>\n

Smoked Salmon With Horseradish Cr\u00e8me Fra\u00eeche & Beetroot<\/h3>\n

If you're not having seafood as your main course, I always think smoked salmon is hard to beat as a starter.
\n\"Healthy
\nThis recipe is light, healthy, and delicious. It's sure to go down as a treat with your Christmas dinner guests.<\/p>\n

Adding Horseradish to the Cr\u00e8me Fra\u00eeche gives it a nice ‘kick,' and if your guests are all adults, the recipe even suggests adding some Vodka too!<\/p>\n

You can check out the full method for ‘Smoked salmon with horseradish cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche & beetroot,'<\/a> by clicking the link.<\/p>\n

Roasted Tomato Soup<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>Soup is a great starter, mostly because it goes with everything.<\/p>\n

No matter what your main course is going to be, the soup is usually a great compliment to it.<\/p>\n

This recipe is particularly easy to prepare, and as I've mentioned above, you can store it overnight and reheat it once your guests are ready.<\/p>\n

You can find everything about this dish here: Roasted Tomato Soup.<\/a> (The link goes to a page with other recipes, so you will need to scroll down to find it…sorry!)<\/p>\n

Healthy Christmas Recipes: The Main Courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ok, so you've checked out the starters, and now we move to the main course.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, the complete main course is a meat or vegetarian dish served with sides and vegetables.<\/p>\n

As we have separate healthy Christmas recipes for the sides, we'll concentrate on the meat and vegetarian dishes here.<\/p>\n

Martha Stewarts Herbed Roasted Turkey<\/h3>\n

For the festive Roast Turkey, I have turned to one of the world's best-known homemakers, Martha Stewart.<\/p>\n

\"healthy<\/a>This ‘Herbed Roasted Turkey'<\/a> recipe has a quick prep time. Therefore, you can either prepare it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, depending on what else you have to do.<\/p>\n

Of course, Turkey is only one choice of a festive main course. Although I can't add recipes for every corner of the world that the Fit Father Project has reached, I have another couple of recipes for you below.<\/p>\n

Fresh Ham with Red Pepper Glaze<\/h3>\n

If Turkey isn't your thing, or if you've only just finished using up your Thanksgiving leftovers, this Ham recipe might be a better option for you.
\n\"Healthy
\nRoasted Ham is an excellent dish anyway. But when you prep it up with this red pepper glaze, it's like a party's going on in your mouth.<\/p>\n

It's also a great dish to serve cold as a ‘leftovers' meal with a leafy salad and some pickles.<\/p>\n

However you choose to eat it, this is one of those healthy Christmas recipes that you shouldn't miss.<\/p>\n

You can see the complete recipe, right here: Fresh Ham with Red Pepper Glaze<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet-Mushroom Sauce<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>Mmmmmmm, just the sound of this dish has me salivating beyond control. I don't think it's possible to combine 3 better ingredients – Beef, Wine and Mushrooms.<\/p>\n

Anyway, enough of my food fantasies! Let's take a look at this other alternative to a Turkey dinner for your festive celebration.<\/p>\n

My suggestion is to check that you know what temperature and cooking time will get your beef to your desired doneness. There's nothing worse than overcooked, dry beef!<\/p>\n

To see the full recipe and recommendations, visit the Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet-Mushroom Sauce<\/a> page at EatingWell.com.<\/p>\n

Persian Squash & Pistachio Roast<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>For the vegetarians among you, this excellent twist on a nut roast makes a great Christmas main course.<\/p>\n

The recipe is brought to you by one of Britain's most popular chefs, Jamie Oliver.<\/p>\n

I use Jamie Oliver's recipes all the time, and his Christmas Turkey recipe has been my ‘go-to' for the past 4 years. It has never disappointed!<\/p>\n

This Persian Squash & Pistachio Roast<\/a> is packed full of great flavors that will excite your tastebuds on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n

Kale, Spinach & Feta Pie<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>When it comes to eating vegetarian meals, I absolutely love tucking into a Feta & Spinach pie.<\/p>\n

When made correctly, it can be one of the tastiest dishes around.<\/p>\n

This recipe and method include the addition of Kale into the mix, adding more health benefits to this tasty dish.<\/p>\n

To give this a whirl for your Christmas main course, follow the recipe here: Kale, Spinach & Feta Pie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Healthy Christmas Recipes: The Sides<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The sides are the bulk of your Christmas Dinner and include the potatoes, veggies, and stuffing.<\/p>\n

I have 5 great recipes for you below, to serve up and impress your guests with.<\/p>\n

So dive in, check them out and get prepping!<\/p>\n

Mushroom-Cornbread Stuffing<\/h3>\n

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this recipe contains mushrooms, leeks, garlic, and herbs to give plenty of flavor.<\/p>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>It's the perfect accompaniment to whichever of the mains above you decide to try for Christmas dinner.<\/p>\n

I would highly recommend giving this a go. It takes a while longer to make than packet stuffing, but the homemade taste will definitely be appreciated by your guests.<\/p>\n

Follow the method for this amazing side dish, here: Mushroom-Cornbread Stuffing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Healthier Roast Potatoes<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>In my opinion, you can't have a traditional Christmas Dinner without roast potatoes. They're simply the best!<\/p>\n

So, to stay on the topic of healthier recipes, this one is for healthier roast potatoes.<\/p>\n

Using minimal oil, fresh herbs, and garlic, you can still have crispy and flavorsome roasties at your Christmas table.<\/p>\n

Click the link to check out the full ingredients list and cooking method. Healthier Roast Potatoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scalloped Potatoes<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>As I've been looking around at traditional Christmas recipes, I've noticed that many households cook scalloped potatoes as a side dish.<\/p>\n

If scalloped potatoes are your chosen dish, then this healthier twist on them is just for you guys.<\/p>\n

Nice and creamy, but with only 4g of fat per serving, you're definitely on to a winner here.<\/p>\n

See the full recipe here: Skinny Chef – Scalloped Potatoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Secret Ingredient Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>It can be difficult to find an alternative recipe for roasted carrots, but this one blew my socks off!<\/p>\n

For a 10 minute prep time, this is easily the simplest side dish out of any of them.<\/p>\n

You can simply prep them and throw them in the oven while you get on with the rest of your meal.<\/p>\n

To give them a try, use the recipe right here: Secret Ingredient Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Balsamic Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts<\/h3>\n

If Brussels sprouts aren't your thing, then this recipe may well change your mind.
\n\"Healthy
\nThe flavor in these things is just incredible. No longer will you just steam your sprouts.<\/p>\n

Similar to the carrots recipe above, these are very straightforward to prep. Once they're seasoned, they can go straight in the oven and left until done.<\/p>\n

Make your vegetables the easy part of your Christmas meal by following the recipe here: Balsamic Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(*Quick note – The recipe is about 3\/4 of the way down the page, so you'll need to scroll down)<\/p>\n

Healthy Christmas Recipes: The Desserts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Often the most difficult part of the meal to find a healthy option for, the dessert is still a ‘must-have' for most households at Christmas time.<\/p>\n

I've scoured the internet for the most delicious and healthy dessert recipes for you to use.<\/p>\n

I hope I've chosen well and that you enjoy these amazing dishes.<\/p>\n

Let's dive on in and check out what I've got for you.<\/p>\n

Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding<\/h3>\n

What's better than a healthy recipe for Christmas pudding? At Christmas-time, almost nothing!
\n\"Healthy
\nKnowing that you can literally have your cake and eat it is pretty exciting, right?<\/p>\n

Christmas pudding is THE traditional Christmas dessert, so rightfully goes on here as the first healthy dessert in my recommendations.<\/p>\n

You can learn how to make this amazing pudding by following this link: Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(*Quick note – Next to Fit Father Project, this website is my new favorite. The layout and design are literally flawless.)<\/p>\n

Vegan Pecan Pie<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>During my research for this article, I've learned that Pecan Pie is almost as traditional a Christmas dessert as Christmas pudding itself.<\/p>\n

So, if this is your dessert of choice, then I have you totally covered.<\/p>\n

This great Pecan Pie recipe from the amazingly named ‘Chocolate Covered Katie' website is outstanding… and healthy!<\/p>\n

Check out Katies ‘ooey-gooey' recipe for Vegan Pecan Pie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Healthier Pumpkin Pie: Low Calorie & Low Sugar<\/h3>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>If Thanksgiving has given you a taste for Pumpkin Pie, then this low calorie and low sugar recipe is going to excite you.<\/p>\n

With a prep time of only 20 minutes and a calorie count of under 200 per slice, it's an all-round winner.<\/p>\n

This is sure to be a recipe that'll become a favorite in your household for years.<\/p>\n

You can enjoy this wonderful recipe by following this link: Healthier Pumpkin Pie: Low Calorie & Low Sugar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Go Forth and Enjoy…<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"HealthySo there you have it, my friends, a list of healthy Christmas recipes that you can follow to keep the calories down, but the festive cheer up.<\/p>\n

I've got you covered for every course of the meal, so you can relax in the knowledge that you can have a perfectly healthy Christmas dinner this year.<\/p>\n

Most of the websites that I have linked to have a long list of amazing, healthy recipes. If there is something on this list that doesn't suit you, I would advise checking them out for something closer to your liking.<\/p>\n

However you decide to enjoy your festive meal, I hope it's a fantastic day. May it be filled with love, happiness, and joy.<\/p>\n

Have a Wonderful Christmas & a Happy and Prosperous New Year.<\/p>\n

Your new friend & health coach,<\/p>\n \n

\n
\n \n
<\/div><\/div>\n \n
\n

Stuart Carter, Dip. PT, Precision Nutrition 1
C.O.O., The Fit Father Project<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
<\/div>\n

Stuart gained his Diploma in Personal Training & Sports Medicine through Premier Global, back in 2001. In 2018, he completed his Level 1 Precision Nutrition qualification.<\/p>\n

Throughout his career in Fitness, Stuart has trained hundreds of clients, worked in almost every position in the industry, and ran his own successful training studio.<\/p>\n

After a hiatus away from the Fitness industry, working in Corporate Management and Finance, Stuart returned to what he loves\u2026 Fitness! This return led to a chance meeting with Dr. Balduzzi, and a place in the Fit Father Project team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n

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