Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve, planning a holiday brunch or traveling, there are plenty of holiday low carb swaps you can make so you can stick with your low carb lifestyle. Start by reviewing my 5 low carb holiday tips blog (you’ll also find delicious low carb holiday recipes for festive low carb holiday drinks, appetizers, side dishes and desserts).
You can also refer to pages 104-105 in my book, Eat Right, Not Less, on how to celebrate (not just survive) the holidays. (HINT: This book also makes a great holiday gift!)
This special time of the year is about enjoying time with family and friends, and gathering together to enjoy favorite food and traditions. If you plan your low carb holiday swaps out in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy it all without guilt.
Holiday Dinner
Many holiday main dishes are deliciously low carb, such as ham, turkey, lamb and prime rib. Fill your plate with your protein of choice and plenty of non-starchy veggies, and then you can add the finishing touches to your holiday dinner with these low carb holiday swaps:
Swap mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for low carb Candied Ginger Sweet Potatoes
Swap mashed potatoes for Cauliflower Sour Cream Mash.
Swap stuffing for Sausage-Sage Stuffing or Wild Mushroom Stuffing.
Swap Yorkshire pudding for Atkins Yorkshire Pudding, a traditional accompaniment to roast beef, such as Rosemary-Garlic Beef Rib Roast.
Swap that sugary cup of eggnog for low carb Hazelnut Eggnog.
Swap holiday sugar cookies for low carb Holiday Spice Roll-Out Cookies and you can still enjoy cookie-making time with family and friends.
Holiday Brunch Basics
Traditional brunch dishes like bacon, sausage and eggs are naturally low in carbs. Add pizazz to your brunch with these low carb holiday options:
Swap French toast for this low carb French Toast Casserole, a crowd-pleasing favorite that will also feed a crowd!
Swap quiche (and its high carb crust) for this hearty Sausage and Bell Pepper Frittata. The spinach and red bell peppers add a bit of holiday color.
Swap cinnamon rolls for these ooey-gooey low carb Cinnamon Buns. They are easy to transport as well, if you’d like to bring them to a brunch gathering.
Swap out sugary iced coffee drinks for a Holiday Protein Smoothie. You can liven up your holiday brunch and turn this drink into an adult beverage by adding 1-ounce brandy or rum.