The holiday season can be a real challenge for people who are trying to adopt healthier eating habits. People question how they are going to make it through this sweet-laden season without treats when cookies, candies, pies and cakes are EVERYWHERE. The good news is that you can indulge (in moderation) without guilt. The key is not to deprive yourself of the sweet pleasures. Instead, find healthy replacement recipes so you can enjoy your treats and stay healthy. Below are a few common holiday recipes made with healthier ingredients. You’ll still get the great taste, but you’ll also get nutrients that you won’t find with standard, sugar-filled recipes.

May these recipes help you to have a healthy and happy Christmas season!

Paleo Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw cashews

½ cup of coconut flour

1 Tbsp of tapioca flour (used as a thickener)

¼ tsp of sea salt

½ tsp of baking soda

¼ cup of ghee

½ tsp of vanilla extract (get a brand free of corn syrup)

1 egg

¼ cup of honey

Instructions:

1. Do NOT preheat oven. Timing is based on putting into a cold oven.

2. Grind the cashews into a flour in your food processor.

3. Next add in the coconut flour, sea salt, baking soda and tapioca flour and pulse to combine.

4. Then add the ghee, vanilla, egg and honey, and pulse until you have a cookie dough.

5. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment and cut with cookie cutters. Place them on a piece of parchment paper and then bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

6. Enjoy!

Credit: Paleo recipes, Gluten-free recipes at www.agirlworthsaving.net2013/12/sugar-cookies.html

Chocolate Almond Date Balls

Ingredients:

20 Medjool dates, pits removed

1/2 cup almond butter

1/4 cup coconut flour

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Finely shredded coconut flakes

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in food processor except the coconut flakes. Roll into small balls, then roll in the shredded coconut to coat.

Credit: Anjali at The Picky Eater

Simple and Healthy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 rounded tablespoon of cacao powder

Stevia to taste (about 15 drops of liquid stevia or one packet of stevia powder)

1 Tbsp of coconut butter (you can find this in health food stores or online)

Directions:

Whisk all ingredients together in sauce pan making sure ingredients are blended well while heating on the stove top. Serve when hot.

Jules’ Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

1 can coconut milk (Thai Organic is a good choice)

2 large egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract (without corn syrup)

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp coconut butter

3 really ripe bananas (almost black)

½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Whisk coconut milk, egg yolks and vanilla together over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until mixture starts to thicken.

2. Remove from heat.

3. In a small frying pan, heat the coconut oil and coconut butter over medium heat and add slightly mashed bananas along with cinnamon. You’re just cooking long enough to let bananas start to caramelize somewhat.

4. Pour the coconut milk and egg mixture into a food processor or blender along with the cooked bananas and process until smooth and creamy.

5. Empty contents into a bowl and place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface. This will prevent a skin from forming.

6. Refrigerate to chill and serve topped with some sliced bananas.

Credit: Paleo Comfort Foods