Healthier Holiday Desserts

posted in: Dessert, Recipes, sugar cravings | 2

I used to be a professional baker and my family counted on my sweet contributions to the holidays. It wasn’t fun to try to change this, but my health and well-being over the holidays is more important than their temporary disappointment. It’s been over five years and they don’t even seem to remember that I used to be the sweet girl.

I know I am not alone in strategizing holiday dessert and sweets consumption. I have learned over time that refined sugar and baked flour are not for me or my body. When I have a plan, I am much more likely to get through the holidays with only some minor dings and none of the irritability and headaches that plagued me for so long. Really. I am done with feeling sick during the holidays.

Strategy 1:  Say no. For years, I was the one chosen to bring plates full of cookies and several desserts. From experience, I know that it’s better to just say no. The ingredients I use to make these things don’t need to be in my house and I don’t want to be contributing to the excess consumption of the holidays.

Strategy 2:  Find some alternatives to take to parties and family gatherings so you won’t’ feel deprived when you are sitting there sipping your hot apple cider while everyone else is eating desserts.

I have created several desserts over the past two years specifically with the holidays in mind. All of these can easily be made gluten-free and the most refined sweetener is maple syrup. These first two can be made in advance. Recipe links are embedded in the images.

Apple and Walnut Pie
Apple and Walnut Pie

 

Sweet Potato Pie with Oat Pecan Crust
Sweet Potato Pie with Oat Pecan Crust

These next two should probably be made on site because they entail cooked fruit and are lovely when served hot. Also, the pears should get served right after cooking because they change color quickly.

Poached Pears with Hazelnut Date Topping
Poached Pears with Hazelnut Date Topping
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Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oat Filling

 

I hope I am giving you enough time to use Strategy #3. I do a trial run of any dessert I plan to take to a party or holiday event.

Apple and Walnut Pie
Sweet Potato Pie with Oat Pecan Crust
Poached Pears with Hazelnut Date Topping
Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oat Filling

Do you have any healthier options for holiday desserts? What are your strategies for getting through the holidays and still give your body what it needs to be healthy?

 

 

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