Nourishing Your Body for the Holidays: Recipes Included!!
Healthy Recipes to Thrive this Season
Written By: Roxane Shymkiw
The holidays are a time filled with celebration, connection, and delicious food, but they don’t have to mean abandoning your healthy goals or undoing all the work you have put in this year. Nourishing foods can still feel festive, comforting, and be full of flavour while supporting your energy, digestion, and well-being. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods can make the holidays feel satisfying and indulgent. These foods are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, fibre, and protein, leaving you feeling satisfied rather than sluggish or overstuffed. By choosing foods that have colour, texture, and natural sweetness, you will elevate your eating experience while nourishing your body from the inside out.
Here are a few recipes to welcome the holiday season with intention and confidence.
Inevitably, during the holidays, there is entertaining and snacking, but it doesn’t have to send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster or fill you with empty calories. This artichoke and white bean dip is filled with protein, fibre, and healthy fats that will keep your mood and energy stable and leave you feeling whole and replenished.
Artichoke, White Bean and Lemon Dip
Serves 8
Ingredients
1-15 oz can of white beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 ½ cups cooked beans)
1 ½ cups marinated artichoke hearts, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp Himalayan salt
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsp water or artichoke marinating oil, for thinning if necessary
Garnish: EVOO, chilli flakes, fresh herbs – basil, oregano, parsley
Serve with cut vegetables, toasted wholegrain pita or crackers
Directions
Place the beans, artichoke hearts, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and seasonings in the bowl of a food processor.
Process until creamy and smooth. With the processor running, add in the extra virgin olive oil.
If the bean dip is too thick, slowly add 1-2 tbsp of water/ artichoke oil with the food processor running until you reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning and lemon juice.
Garnish with extra olive oil, chilli flakes, and fresh herbs and then serve with veggies and pita or crackers.
Spiced Hot Chocolate
Makes 1 serving
This hot chocolate is filled with wholesome ingredients that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and ground you for a moment of self-care. Raw cacao supports mood and energy, cinnamon has a soothing warmth and helps balance blood sugar, turmeric and black pepper have anti-inflammatory benefits, and ginger supports digestion and circulation. Add in a bit of healthy fats to increase absorption and enjoy feeling deeply nourished.
Ingredients
1 cup milk of choice (almond, coconut, dairy)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey
¼ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp turmeric
¼ tsp ginger
Dash of cardamom
Pinch of freshly ground pepper and Himalayan salt
¼ tsp vanilla
1 tsp coconut butter/oil (optional)
Directions
Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat just until bubbles form around the edge. Do not let the milk boil.
Whisk in the cacao, dry spices, vanilla and coconut butter/oil.
Add in sweetener if desired, to taste.
To serve, pour into your favourite mug, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon and enjoy!
Eating well during the holidays isn’t about restrictions. It is about choosing the foods that help you feel good while still enjoying the flavours and traditions that you love. Swap sweet treats with natural sugars and upgrade dishes with fresh herbs, citrus and spices to enjoy a holiday season that feels indulgent, balanced, and honouring what your body needs to feel your best.
If you’re interested in more recipe ideas or support in building healthy habits that last long after the holidays – reach out! At No Shoes Nutrition, we work with individuals and groups to help create plans that bring confidence, nourishment, and content in the kitchen.
