High Protein Holiday Recipes!

I love this time of year, and I love the great food that comes with it LOL.

But, that doesn't mean we have to put our health on the back burner. But what recipes do we make this holiday season, that are healthy and taste good?

How do we keep your health a priority, but still enjoy the good food that comes with the holiday season?

I know this may seem like a crazy concept... but we don't actually have to put our health on the back burner during the holidays!

Maybe we're not as focused on how to lose weight during the holidays, but I don't know about you, but I don't really want to get to January and be fighting that battle of losing those 5-10 lbs gained, do you?

Obviously we all know nutrition is key for keeping us lean, healthy and strong. That's why I wanted to share some of my favorite high protein holiday treats you're whole family will love!

Best part.... they are all super easy to make!

Check out our top 5 high protein healthy holiday recipes:

1. Turkey and Cranberry Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash:

   • Ingredients:

     • Acorn squash, halved and seeds removed

     • Ground turkey

     • Quinoa, cooked

     • Fresh cranberries

     • Pecans, chopped

     • Sage, chopped

     • Olive oil

     • Salt and pepper to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. Roast acorn squash halves in the oven until tender.

     2. In a skillet, cook ground turkey with olive oil, then mix with cooked quinoa, fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, and sage.

     3. Stuff the roasted acorn squash halves with the turkey and quinoa mixture.

2. Herb-Roasted Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Almonds:

   • Ingredients:

     • Chicken breasts

     • Brussels sprouts, halved

     • Almonds, sliced

     • Rosemary, chopped

     • Thyme, chopped

     • Olive oil

     • Garlic, minced

     • Salt and pepper to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

     2. Season chicken breasts with chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

     3. Place chicken on a baking sheet surrounded by Brussels sprouts and sliced almonds.

     4. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Salmon and Cranberry Quinoa Salad:

   • Ingredients:

     • Salmon fillets

     • Quinoa, cooked

     • Dried cranberries

     • Pecans, chopped

     • Baby spinach

     • Orange zest

     • Olive oil

     • Balsamic vinegar

     • Salt and pepper to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. Grill or bake salmon fillets until cooked.

     2. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, baby spinach, and orange zest.

     3. Drizzle with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

     4. Top the salad with the cooked salmon.

4. Sweet Potato and Turkey Sausage Hash with Sage:

   • Ingredients:

     • Sweet potatoes, diced

     • Lean turkey sausage, crumbled

     • Red onion, diced

     • Fresh sage, chopped

     • Olive oil

     • Smoked paprika

     • Salt and pepper to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. In a large skillet, sauté sweet potatoes, red onion, and crumbled turkey sausage in olive oil until sweet potatoes are tender.

     2. Add chopped sage, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt Parfait with Pomegranate Seeds:

   • Ingredients:

     • Greek yogurt

     • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries)

     • Pomegranate seeds

     • Walnuts, chopped

     • Cinnamon

     • Honey

   • Instructions:

     1. In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt with mixed berries, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts.

     2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.

     3. Repeat the layers, finishing with a drizzle of honey on top.

These festive, protein-packed recipes bring the flavors of Thanksgiving and Christmas to your table while keeping things healthy and delicious!

Enjoy!

Oh, we also launched a podcast episode on how to navigate the holiday eating troubles. You can check it out here, click to listen in -> How to Gain Weight During The Holidays Podcast Episode

Danny Mullen

Owner, RAW Fitness in Washington Township Michigan