Date: 11/16/20
With the holidays quickly approaching, many families are preparing to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy great cooking. But that can also mean over indulging on sweets with potentially unhealthy, high-calorie desserts. Make this year different with help from the health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, by trying these five healthy, but still tasty, dessert swaps!
1. Pass on Pecan. Pecan pie is a holiday favorite for many but with loads of sugar and calories, it’s not the most nutritious choice. Instead, enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie. For a healthy and great-tasting dessert, try this skinny pumpkin pie recipe packed with protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. You’ll need 3 large eggs, 2 cups of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of raw honey, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ½ cup of ground cloves. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, honey, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves. Apply coconut oil to an 8-10 inch pie plate and slowly pour the mixture until filled. For best results, cook for 60-75 minutes or until the center is set. Serve warm and enjoy!
2. Forget Fudge. Well, kind of! There are healthier fudge recipes that are just as delicious! This year, try pumpkin almond butter fudge. You’ll need 2/3 cup all-natural almond butter, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of mini-chocolate chips. First, line a square pan with parchment paper and set aside. Mix the almond butter and melted coconut oil in a medium bowl until combined. Then add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and cinnamon mixing all ingredients together. Once mixed, transfer into pan, spread out evenly, and top with mini chocolate chips. Place in freezer for 2-4 hours or until solid and remove letting it sit for 5 minutes. Remove from pan, cut into squares, and serve!
3. Ban Bread Pudding. Traditional bread pudding is packed with ingredients high in calories like white bread, sugar, and butter. Too much of this combination can lead to increased blood sugar and insulin levels. Instead, try a simple, low-fat baked apple recipe. The fresh apples incorporate nutritional value with each bite like antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. To start, gather 5-6 medium-sized apples, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and cut apples in little squares and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Mix the melted coconut oil and cinnamon together and coat the apple chunks evenly. Place in oven for 20-30 minutes or until apples are soft for best results!
4. Freeze Fruit. This simple vegan ice cream recipe has less calories and fat than normal ice cream and will be a family favorite! You’ll need 4 cups of frozen sliced bananas, ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter, ½ cups of plain almond milk, and 1/3 cup of mini-chocolate chips. Place frozen bananas slices, peanut butter, and ½ cup of almond milk into blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes or until a smooth consistency is formed. Add the chocolate chips and pulse to combine with mixture. Transfer onto parchment paper and place in a medium-sized pan to place in freezer for 2-3 hours. Serve with a drizzle of peanut butter on top and enjoy this healthy alternative with loved ones!
5. Cut Cheesecake. This holiday dessert staple has never been that friendly to your waistline, so switch it up this year and go for a low-sugar angel food cake! You’ll need ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of cake flour, 1 ½ cups of egg whites, 1 ½ cups of cream of tartar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the egg white in a mixer on high until foamy while you sift together the flour and ¼ cup of sugar. Add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla. Next, sift flour mixture over the egg white mixture, spoon batter into cake pan, and bake for 30-40 minutes. Take out and turn over to cool for 30 minutes, flip pan right side up, and cut along edges with knife to help remove.
About Envolve, Inc.®
Envolve, Inc.® is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. As an agent for change in healthcare, Envolve is committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Envolve unifies specialty pharmacy, PBM, vision, dental, 24/7 nurse advice services, MSO solutions, and more. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact us at mediainquiries@envolvehealth.com.