5 Healthy and Fun Christmas Treats
The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, but it doesn’t have to mean abandoning your healthy eating habits. You can enjoy festive treats that are both delicious and nutritious. Here are five healthy and fun Christmas treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your wellness goals.
Fruit and Nut Christmas Tree
Create a beautiful and healthy Christmas tree using fresh fruit and nuts. This colorful treat is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries
- Green grapes
- Red grapes
- Blueberries
- Kiwi slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Assorted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
- Star fruit or a star-shaped cookie cutter
- Skewers or toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Wash and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Use the star fruit or a star-shaped cookie cutter to create a star for the top of the tree.
2. On a large platter, arrange the fruit and nuts in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a base layer of pineapple chunks, then add layers of grapes, strawberries, kiwi slices, and blueberries.
3. Place the star fruit or cookie-cutter star at the top of the tree.
4. If needed, use skewers or toothpicks to hold the fruit in place.
5. This treat is perfect for a festive snack or as a centerpiece for your holiday table.
Snowman Banana Pops
These adorable snowman banana pops are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make and offer a fun way to enjoy fruit during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate chips
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy melts or small pieces of dried apricot
- Pretzel sticks
- Wooden popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. Peel and cut the bananas in half. Insert a wooden popsicle stick into each banana half.
2. Use dark chocolate chips for the eyes, mini chocolate chips for the mouth, and an orange candy melt or dried apricot piece for the nose. Press them gently into the banana.
3. Break pretzel sticks in half and insert them into the sides of the banana to create the snowman’s arms.
4. Place the banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm.
5. Once frozen, these snowman banana pops are ready to be enjoyed as a healthy and fun Christmas treat.
Greek Yogurt Christmas Bark
Greek yogurt Christmas bark is a festive and healthy alternative to traditional chocolate bark. It’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh pomegranate seeds
- Kiwi slices (cut into small pieces)
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup if desired.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the yogurt evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds, kiwi slices, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts evenly over the yogurt.
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the yogurt is firm.
5. Once frozen, break the yogurt bark into pieces and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the freezer.
Healthy Gingerbread Energy Balls
These gingerbread energy balls are a perfect holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with healthy ingredients. They’re great for a quick snack or a festive treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. These gingerbread energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Avocado chocolate mousse is a creamy and decadent dessert that’s surprisingly healthy. It’s rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste the mousse and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
3. Transfer the mousse to serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
4. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves before serving. Enjoy this rich and healthy chocolate treat!
These five healthy and fun Christmas treats are perfect for enjoying the festive season without compromising your health. Whether you’re making fruit and nut Christmas trees, snowman banana pops, Greek yogurt Christmas bark, gingerbread energy balls, or avocado chocolate mousse, these recipes offer delicious and nutritious options for holiday celebrations. Happy holidays and enjoy your healthy treats!