Healthy Holidays

The Holidays are my favorite time of year!  Everyone is in good spirits, you spend time with family and friends and you also eat and drink your most favorite things.  The Holidays do not have to scare you, they dont have to ruin all the hard work you have put in and destroy your diet.  Instead of stressing, I want you to be grateful.  Be grateful for the people in your life, the foot on your plate and the body that allows you to do amazing things.

Here are some easy recipes to help keep your Thanksgiving meal on point!

BULGUR STUFFING WITH CRANBERRIES
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups bulgur, rinsed
3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 

How To
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, cinnamon and allspice; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add bulgur and stir for a few seconds. Add broth, bay leaf and salt; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the bulgur is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. 

2.While this is cooking, combine dried cranberries and orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Set aside. 

3. Toast hazelnuts in a small pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden, 2 to 3 minutes. When the bulgur is ready, add the cranberries, toasted hazelnuts, and parsley; fluff with a fork.


MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons non-dairy buttery spread
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup almond milk

How to
1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Strain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.

3. Mash the potatoes with a fork.

4. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.