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Denise Austin

Holiday Side Dishes Made Healthy!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition
Thanksgiving is almost here, and I'm sure you all are busy planning your menus! I wanted to share with you two of my FAVORITE holiday side dishes! These are both classics that so many people include at their holiday table. The good news is that these traditionally not-so-healthy sides can so easily be tweaked to be just a little more healthy - and no one will even know!! Instead of using canned ingredients, which can have a lot of unhealthy fat and tons of sodium, too, I use fresh, whole ingredients. Better for you and your family! Although these recipes are healthier, don't think you will miss the traditional taste - they includes all the things that will make your mouth water! Give these a try this holiday, and for more healthy delicious recipes like this, download my app and start your FREE TRIAL today! I have a customizable eating plan with all sorts of recipes - breakfast, lunch, dinner and more! Check it out now!

 

Healthy Green Bean Casserole - 1 Hour Total Cooking Time

Servings: 4

What you’ll need:

  • 11⁄4 cup of Greek yogurt (plain)


  • 1 teaspoon of salt


  • sprinkle of black pepper


  • 1⁄8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper


  • 1⁄2 chopped yellow onion


  • 1 pound of green beans (fresh)


  • 1 1⁄2 tablespoons of garlic (crushed


  • 1⁄2 cup of almond flour


  • 1⁄2 cup of Parmesan


  • 1⁄4 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms [optional]


  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of olive oil


  • 3⁄4 cup of cheddar cheese (sharp or regular)


  • 1⁄2 tablespoon of fresh parsley


Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


  2. Mix almond flour with Parmesan, parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper to use as the topping.


  3. Separately, mix yogurt with salt, garlic and cayenne pepper.


  4. Heat olive oil in skillet.


  5. Add onion and salt and cook until onions are brown.


  6. Make sure green beans are cut in half with ends cut off.


  7. Add green beans and cook until soft.


  8. Add garlic and a little butter and continue to stir.


  9. Add cheese and stir in until melted.


  10. Add yogurt mix.


  11. Grab a baking dish, coat the dish with a little bit of olive oil.


  12. Add green beans mixture and sprinkle topping.


  13. Place in oven for 35 minutes or until top is brown.


  14. Serve and enjoy!



 

Healthy Sweet Potato Bake - 1 Hour Total Cooking Time


Servings: 4-6


What you’ll need:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled


  • 1 tablespoon olive oil


  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg


  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar


  • Salt and pepper


Directions:
  1. Set oven to 400 degrees.


  2. Dice sweet potatoes into cubes.


  3. Place on cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil and spices (not the brown sugar) and toss.


  4. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top over the potatoes.


  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are cooked fully.


  6. Serve and enjoy!



I hope you are able to give this classic recipes a try this holiday season, and that you and your family love them as much as mine do!! Xoxo

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise