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There are few things I love more in this world than gorging out on sugary holiday treats. From my point of view, holiday festivities don’t officially kick off until I’m clutching a cuppa peppermint mocha in my hand — with swirls of whipped cream and reindeer-shaped sprinkles scattered atop. 

It just doesn’t feel right to sit down and binge-watch crappy Hallmark movies sans 3 or 4 snowflake-shaped cookies and piping hot cocoa… hot cocoa with a bunch of marshmallows, mind you. (Like, way more marshmallows than is appropriate for an adult woman.)

But it’s a double-edged sword, my friends… On the one hand, gobbling down these sugary holiday treats can be super comfy and cozy. Face it, the Yuletide season simply isn’t complete without these yummy desserts. Yet on the other hand… all that refined sugar? When it comes to both our physical and mental health, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

Just `Cause It’s the Holidays Don’t Neglect Your Overall Health 

Everyone knows added sugar isn’t exactly “doctor approved”, many people aren’t aware about how bad even the smallest sliver of refined ingredients is for our mental health. When you load up on added sugars, anxiety and depression can go into full force — leading to nerves, paranoia, and a host of negative feelings… negative feelings that are pretty much the opposite of the Joy-to-the-world vibe you’re aiming for. Yeah. No fun. 

So, while your Grandma’s Snowman-shaped cake pops might make visions of sugarplums dance in your head, too much refined sugar has been known to bring on panic attacks.  Not exactly the effortless “hygge” look you’re going for.

But, fear not! The situation isn’t hopeless. If you want to avoid all the horrors that come from overdoing it with the refined sugars, yet pine all the yummy delights of the festive season, there are a ton — and I mean a ton — of healthy options that are just as tasty (if not tastier) than the traditional dessert recipes you grew up on.

Chocolate Peppermint Collagen Drink Mix Makes for a Delish Holiday Frappaccino

Close to two years ago, I switched out my diet — mainly consisting of Popeyes and Chipotle — to the cleanest Paleo lifestyle imaginable. Essentially, I trashed the fast food junk in exchange for organic delicacies that grow from trees, soil, and mother earth. At first, I was intimidated by such a massive dietary change because I used to think that healthy food was bland and disgusting.

But the more I learn about nutrition and the benefits of healthy cooking, the more I realize how much tastier healthy foods are in comparison to all that processed crap. 

Case in point: Primal Kitchen’s Chocolate Peppermint Collagen Drink Mix. This brand is the be-all-and-end-all for anyone following the Paleo/Keto lifestyle who has a wicked sweet tooth. All ingredients are completely natural, made of real nutrients that are free of any refined or added sugars. 

I bought this Chocolate Peppermint Collagen Drink Mix to satisfy my holiday cravings so I could get my holiday fix without the guilt — or negative fallout. And I’m utterly obsessed. I toss two scoops of this mix into my blender, add two frozen bananas and a cup of almond milk, give it a quick whirrrrrl, and voilà! I’ve just created a holiday drink that’s as good — no, far better — than the pricey peppermint frappuccinos you get at Starbucks.   

It’s literally so good. With its cool, minty flavor, this frozen treat will fill you with holiday fa-la-la-la laaaa. Plus, collagen is an excellent beauty secret! So, unlike typical holiday drinks that wreak havoc on your hair and skin, this Chocolate Peppermint mix will only enhance it. Ummmm, talk about goals! Excuse me while I add twenty units to my cart.

Sweet Potato & Marshmallows (Paleo & Keto-friendly)  

I’ll admit it — I’m not a fan of Thanksgiving. Having an extended family is stressful, especially when you’re trying not to burn the cranberry sauce while Great Aunt Helen criticizes all your life choices. But the one saving grace for me is…. the sweet potato and marshmallow dish.  

If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be sweet potatoes with slightly burnt marshmallows melted on top. Just thinking about it makes my stomach rumble. I was lucky enough to gorge out on this last Thanksgiving, yet I was hoping I’d find a Paleo/Keto-friendly alternative. Was that possible?

Absoloooootely tootley! Amazon sells sugar-free Keto-friendly marshmallows that are gluten-free, and high in fiber, so they keep you fuller longer. Sweetened by monk-fruit, this keto-alternative is just as delicious as the OG recipe. For this recipe, roast four sweet potatoes with cinnamon and ghee butter — another  keto alternative. I bake it at 450°F for 45 minutes so they’re extra mushy. 

Once they’re soft and caramelized to your liking, remove from the oven, and place the marshmallows on top. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then set the dish inside for 15 minutes.  Simply nutritious and simply sumptuous. It’s a keto-friendly/paleo-friendly win-win. 

Nutpod’s Creamer Holiday Flavors in Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha & Holiday Nog

Have you guys tried nutpod creamer? As a coffee addict, I take my creamer very seriously. Since I guzzle three cups a day — at least — it’s critical that I have a creamer that is all-parts healthy, sugar-free, dairy free, and all-around yummery. At first, the task seemed impossible — and I was just about ready to give up on coffee creamer completely…. But then I discovered nutpod creamer, which has all the deliciousness of your favorite sugary coffee treats, sans the sugar that makes you feel icky and bleh afterward.   

For the holiday festivities, nutpod’s offering a Winter Collection featuring cozy Holiday creamers — perfect flavors for guzzling while ice skating, or snuggling up by the fire. Add as much creamer as you’d like into a cheery holiday mug, and heat it up in the microwave before pouring your coffee in. Why not grate some cinnamon sticks on top for the full festive experience. And depending on how you take your coffee, it’s just as tasty iced.  

Brussels Sprouts & Pomegranate for a Sweet & Savory Delight

Now that we’ve gotten the ubiquitous sweet tooth out of the way, let’s mix it up with a recipe that’s as sweet as it is savory. It’s so funny, because whenever I mention Brussels sprouts it seems to cause a rather divisive and heated reaction all across the board. While some people love this cruciferous veggie, others think eating it is hell on earth. 

But what it usually boils down to (pun intended) is this: how they’re cooked. While boiled Brussels sprouts can be bland and unappetizing, roasted Brussels sprouts are a delish dish to many (including myself).  

To avoid a messy cleanup, I line the pan with oven-safe parchment paper, arrange the Brussels sprouts and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting. When the oven hits 450°F, slide your baking dish. 20 minutes in, flip them over midway and after 40 minutes-ish, they should be ready. Scatter ruby red pomegranate seeds, stir, and you’re all set to munch on this nutritious Holiday snack!  

So go ahead, treat yourself to these guilt-free delights and have a healthy holly jolly season — isn’t that the sweetest gift of all?