Baking the Season Bright
Wholesome Swaps for Holiday Treats
It’s hard to believe the holiday season and its irresistible parade of sweet treats is here again. Fortunately, celebrating doesn’t have to mean sidelining nutrition or abandoning healthy habits. You can swap in healthier ingredients without swapping out taste, and you don’t have to sacrifice tradition or flavor either! Here are a few tips and tricks—and, of course, recipes—to get you started.
Boost with produce
Unsweetened applesauce and mashed bananas make excellent substitutes for traditional fats like butter and oil. Simply swap 1 cup of applesauce or mashed bananas for 1 cup of butter or oil.
These ingredients also serve as natural sugar substitutes, along with dried fruits, spices, and seasonably suitable pumpkin purée. Mildly sweet, these swaps provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that refined sugars lack. Bonus: Traditional holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg also offer powerful antioxidants.
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Gingerbread is arguably the GOAT when it comes to holiday flavors, but traditional recipes can be high in sugar and saturated fats. Our gingerbread oatmeal cookie recipe uses unsweetened applesauce and molasses instead of butter and sugar, resulting in a sweet treat with less saturated fat and a lower glycemic index. Plus, molasses contains iron and calcium, while rolled oats and whole wheat flour boost fiber content for better digestive health and more satisfying fullness. Smart and delicious!
Banana Blondies
If you’re in the mood for a sweeter treat, blondie bars are the way to go. Like brownies, blondies are rich and dense, but the combination of brown sugar and vanilla creates a caramel-like sweetness that sets them apart. This banana blondie recipe incorporates mashed bananas to boost fiber content and reduce added sugar. Of course, like with all sweets, enjoy this decadent dessert in moderation.
Go for the grains
Adding fiber to your diet is always a good idea! Soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar, while insoluble fiber promotes regularity. With that in mind, look for holiday recipes that incorporate fiber-rich ingredients like oats, applesauce, and whole wheat flour.
Polar Bear Muffins
Muffins can be sweet or savory and enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a meal. These quick breads often include more nutritious ingredients than their sugary counterparts, cupcakes. You’ll love this polar bear muffin recipe for its cuteness, but your body will appreciate its healthier fats, increased fiber, and naturally lower sugar content.
Lighten up with Greek yogurt
Another superstar substitute is plain Greek yogurt. Swapping Greek yogurt for oil, sour cream, or butter can significantly reduce both calories and saturated fat, all while delivering a powerful punch of protein.
Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Muffins
When it comes to holiday flavors, apples and cinnamon give gingerbread a run for its money. These Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Muffins offer increased fiber and lower added sugar content. And they’re super tasty!
Let the baking begin!
Now that you know a few simple baking substitutions, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started! Try one of these recipes or incorporate a simple swap into one of your own favorites. Have fun with it, and happy wholesome holidays!
