It’s the holiday season, so bring on the holiday treats. But maybe not all of them.
The last thing you want to do during this most magical time of year is to weaken your immune system with high sugar intake. There are way too many fun winter things to do, especially here in Rexburg. Honestly, holiday treats don’t always have to be loaded with sugar! In fact, I’ve found that some of the best holiday snacks are also good for you.
Here are some alternative, fun healthy Christmas treats to try this year.
Peanut butter and Nutella popcorn balls
Who doesn’t love popcorn balls? This year, ditch the sugar and corn syrup for peanut butter and Nutella! Check out the recipe, then get to baking.
Watermelon Christmas trees
If you can find a good watermelon at your local grocery store, then grab that melon! You’ll make it “in season” when you create a watermelon Christmas tree. The options are endless on how to form the perfect watermelon Christmas tree. Here are a few ideas to try out:
– Cut the shape with a tree cookie cutter, then insert popsicle stick
– Cut the melon into triangles, leaving the green rind as the trunk
– Decorate with seeds, blueberries, grapes, etc.
Santa crackers
Crackers, cheese, and your choice of meat are all you need to make a happy Santa Claus cracker. This is a fun snack to make and eat with friends, spouses, roommates or even solo. You can leave these out for Santa on Christmas Eve, instead of cookies!
Boiled egg snowmen
Take two boiled eggs and stack them with a pretzel or toothpick, and decorate the snowman with whatever you can find! Peppercorns, sliced carrots, anything to make eyes, nose and the mouth!
Dark chocolate peppermint truffles
These gluten-free and vegan truffles are made with avocados to substitute heavy cream. Take a look at this recipe and try for yourself! It’s not only delicious, but the perfect snack to get you into the holiday spirit.
Strawberry and banana candy cane
This is a great way to liven up your breakfast plate in the morning. Just slice your banana and strawberries to make a candy cane shape, and voila!
Pomegranate chocolate bark & nuts
A treat that is sweet and salty?! Count me in. Just mix pomegranate seeds with almonds, peanuts, or pistachios in melted chocolate. Spread out onto a sheet, sprinkle more on the surface for toppings, then let the bark cool and harden.
Choose healthy Christmas treats this year
Holiday treats don’t have to be bad for you! Blast a holiday playlist to feel the Christmas spirit, and get to making! Remember, healthy doesn’t mean boring. And when you make healthy Christmas treats, you get all the holiday fun without the extra poundage.