Healthy and Delicious Gut-Friendly Holiday Recipes

Enjoy all the holiday celebrations and delicious feasts without the gut issues! Here's how!

You can still enjoy festive eats without feeling uncomfortable, bloated and throwing your gut health out of whack. Here are three mouthwatering and gut-friendly holiday recipes that will satisfy your taste buds while supporting your well-being!

Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprout Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until they're tender and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
4. While the veggies are roasting, toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.
5. Prepare the dressing by mixing balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
6. Once the veggies are done, let them cool slightly. Then, combine them with the dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
8. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 lemons, halved
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the chicken with the garlic and herb mixture, both inside and outside.
5. Place the halved lemons inside the chicken cavity.
6. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine.
7. Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of chia seeds
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (for cranberry sauce)
• Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt of your choice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to thicken.
2. In a small saucepan, cook the fresh cranberries, water, and honey or maple syrup over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. To assemble the parfait, layer the chia seed pudding, cranberry sauce, and yogurt in glasses or bowls.
4. Repeat the layers as desired.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

These gut-friendly holiday recipes are just a glimpse of the delicious and nourishing options you can enjoy during the festive season.

Prioritizing your gut health doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Explore more healthy, nourishing recipes in the 21-Day Fall Meal Guide for a holiday season filled with tasty and gut-loving dishes. The entire Fall Meal Guide is dairy free AND gluten free so you can feel amazing this holiday season.

Cheers to a happy and healthy YOU!