Keep your health goals a priority ALL year long.
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course FOOD. It can be hard to stay on track during the festive season, but with a little bit of planning you can meal prep your way through the holidays and keep up with your nutrition! Below, we will give you some recipes to have on hand and tips on how to make meal prepping easier during the holiday season. So whether you are attending holiday parties or want some easy and healthy snacks and meals on hand, we’ve got you covered!
Meal Prepping Through the Holidays
One of the best ways to stay on track during the holidays is to meal prep! Before the holiday madness begins, you can set yourself up for success by taking some time to get organized and prepare your food ahead of time. But that may seem far out of reach when you’ve got a ton of holiday shopping and parties to attend. Never fear! We’ve got some tips to help you make time to meal prep during the holidays.
Prep Before the Festivities Begin
You can start meal prepping long before your family arrives! Freeze things like smoothie mixes, soups, and casseroles ahead of time. This way, all you have to do is heat them up when you’re ready to eat. Here are our favorite make-ahead recipes:
- Meal-Prep Friendly Vegan Breakfast Burritos
- Low-Carb Cheesy Meatball Casserole
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Italian Sausage Kale Soup
Use Super Quick Ingredients
Take shortcuts where you need them. Things like microwavable rice packets, pre-cooked meats, canned beans, and pre-cut produce can quicken the process and make meal prepping more feasible. Here are some quick, 5-minute recipes that can be quickly put together with pre-made, already-prepped ingredients:
- Paleo-Friendly Meaty Veggie Roll-Ups
- Chickpea Mediterranean Rice Recipe
- Italian Tuna Wraps
- Plant-Based Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Flavorful Vegetable Teriyaki Stir-Fry
Pick Easy to Cook, Bulk Meals
One of the best things about meal prepping is that it doesn’t have to be complicated! When you are making meals for the week, choose recipes that can easily be doubled or tripled. That way you can cook once and eat all week long. Here are some of our top choices:
- One Pan Broccoli, Sweet Potato, and Chicken Dinner
- Easy and Nutritious Grain Bowls
- 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Verde
- Whip Up This Scrumptious Baked Oatmeal for Breakfast!
- 5-Ingredient Vegan “Chicken” Salad Recipe
Be Prepared with Snacks
The biggest culprit for overeating at holiday parties is actually hunger. Make sure you’re well-fueled throughout the day with high protein, high fiber snacks to keep you satiated. Try some of our favorites below:
- Cranberry Crumble Bites
- Kid-Friendly Apple Sandwiches
- Easiest Ever Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
- Roasted Beet and Hazelnut Vegetable Dip
- Quinoa Protein Bars
Incorporate Some Holiday Favorites
Instead of avoiding your favorite holiday treats all season long, allow yourself to enjoy them in a more nutritious way. For example, our favorite Superfood Chocolate Bark pairs delicious dark chocolate with fruit and nuts. We’ve got tons of other great dishes that are both festive and nutrient-dense that you can enjoy this season:
- Pumpkin Spice Tarts
- Fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Cookies
- White Chocolate Pomegranate Bark
- Baked Apple Pecan Crisp
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Planning Your Holiday Dinner
The same can be done with dinner itself! Preparing healthier versions of your favorite dishes is a great way to stay on track to your health goals. Check out these yummy sides to pair with your turkey or holiday ham:
- Cast-Iron Stuffing Recipe with Ezekiel Bread
- Surprisingly Healthy Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower Holiday Stuffing
- Amazing Orange-Rosemary Maple Sweet Potatoes
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
We hope these tips on how to meal prep for the holiday season help you stay healthy all season long! What are your favorite tips for staying on track? Let us know in the comments below. And be sure to check out our holiday recipes for more festive meal ideas.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our eNewsletter. Also, like our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest for tasty recipes, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.
