3 Healthy Alternatives for Christmas Dinner Sides

Holiday dinners are arguably the most cherished throughout the year. Unfortunately, they can also be incredibly unhealthy and overly calorie dense. Over-consumption of favorite holiday dishes will almost certainly throw your progress off kilter. Sure, one meal is a cheat meal, but after-affects can do more harm than you think. Inflammation from processed foods, left-overs, desserts, and hunger pangs will likely last several days afterwards. Be the hero to the healthy Holiday party with these three healthy side dish alternatives!

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans:
   • Ingredients:
     • Brussels sprouts, halved
     • Fresh cranberries
     • Pecans, chopped
     • Olive oil
     • Balsamic vinegar
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Instructions:
     • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
     • Toss Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pecans in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
     • Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper.
     • Roast for 20-25 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are golden brown and tender.

1. Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash:
   • Ingredients:
     • Acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
     • Cooked quinoa
     • Mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
     • Red onion, diced
     • Olive oil
     • Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Instructions:
     • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
     • Brush the inside of acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
     • Roast the squash for about 30 minutes or until tender.
     • Meanwhile, sauté mixed vegetables and red onion in olive oil until tender.
     • Mix the cooked quinoa with sautéed vegetables and herbs.
     • Stuff each acorn squash half with the quinoa and vegetable mixture.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots:
   • Ingredients:
     • Carrots, peeled and trimmed
     • Garlic, minced
     • Parmesan cheese, grated
     • Olive oil
     • Fresh parsley, chopped
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Instructions:
     • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
     • Toss carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
     • Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
     • Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and golden brown.
     • Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

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