Trying to Cut Out the Holiday Snacks? You DON’T Have to, Just Make Them Healthier!

Trying to beat those post-holiday cravings?  Wether it’s watching the big game or relaxing after a long day, getting over holiday snacking can be tough.  Giving up the scrumptious treats is especially difficult if you are trying to go “cold turkey” to a fasting or broth based meal plan too.  It’s not the healthiest either. My family is getting back to being strict with our fitness and food, but that doesn’t mean giving up.  We simply take some of our indulgent favorite snacks and make them healthy. Read on if this sounds like a good plan to you.  

I believe it is possible to “have your cake and eat it too”!  Pun intended.  Some of the simple swaps I make after the holidays include replacing any mayonnaise base with greek yogurt. This one is extremely healthy.  Another doable swap is to substitute a protein shake for heavy creams.  I will elaborate on these more below.

One food, loved in my house is dip and chips.  The whole family has a weak spot wether it be corn chips and salsa or potato chips and creamy dips.  Virtually any favorite dip can be made with yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise - savings tons of calorie and fat, and making something actually very healthy in place.  For example this delicious spinach artichoke dip is so easy and healthy. The recipe makes a huge container and if divided into 4 servings is over a cup (rarely do we eat a cup of dip each) and is about 210 calories, 22 grams protein, 15 carbs, 5 fiber, 5 sugar, 8 fat.  It contains, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, C, iron as well. 

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Artichoke Spinach Dip 
Recipe:
1 small package of thawed frozen spinach 
1 can of artichoke hearts chopped
2 crushed or diced clove of garlic
1 tbsp garlic powder 
Salt and pepper to taste
Tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a little spice (optional)
1 cup (or more to desired consistency) non-fat or low fat greek yogurt
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
(Another little tip:  Collagen Powder can be added to virtually anything to add a little extra protein boost-I add it into drinks, dip, yogurt, soup)  

Mix all ingredients, allow to sit at least an hour, preferably over night.  This dip is great cold, but is even better Microwaved 30 seconds at a time and stirred until all of the cheese melts. It is delicious. Leaving it cold adds the benefit of yogurt probiotics, heating can destroy the probiotic properties of the yogurt.  

You have a higher protein, lower calorie & fat dip that is packed with vegetables, vitamins and nutrients.  It’s more of a meal than a dip.  Double the healthy factor if you use vegetables like slices of cucumber, carrot, bell pepper and celery to dip instead of chips.  

I also do green onion dip with hilly sliced green onion and greek yogurt.
Tzatziki with greek yogurt, dill, lemon and .
And even French onion dip with a soup packet of French onion mix and greek yogurt.  The American can be done for ranch dip. All of these are MUCH healthier versions of store bought dips.

For the sweet treat, we love to make pudding out of yogurt.  You can simply take a flavored or vanilla no sugar greek yogurt and mix in 1 scoop of collagen powder top with a tiny bit of peanut butter or fruit and voila - a delicious pudding/ mousse style dessert that is actually a healthy meal.  Again, adding protein and cutting the fat and extra calories. For this treat, I like Light n Fit Greek Yogurt and I use the collagen found at this link:
​

Shop Collagen Here

Another Favorite Collagen

This collagen mixes in so creamy and delicious and has the best chocolate flavors I’ve found.  

This dessert is 130 calories and 23 grams of , 11 carbs, 2 fiber, 6 sugar and 0 fat.  Sugar free yogurt will improve the carb and sugar count.  Its loaded with vitamins and calcium as well!  

©SheDo50Too
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And another wonderful addition in our house is the Ninja Creamy.   This was a Christmas present from my daughter for the whole family.  We are still learning but so far it has created delicious desserts packed with nutrients and protein minus the fat and extra calories.  This is a perfect solution for the dessert and ice cream lovers in the house.  Additionally it takes something that is healthy and make it more filling and substantial.  Most of the recipes we have created make an entire pint for one serving!  A quick and easy recipe is below but…. 


You can find the Ninja Creamy at the link here 

Shop The Ninja Creami Here

One blend that’s been just fabulous is:
With Premier Protein Shake and frozen berries. 

This makes a huge dessert less than 200 calories with 30 grams of protein and all the nutrients from the shake as well as the power packed frozen berries. This is a win in my book!

Another note I would like to leave here is the Premiere Protein shake works tremendously in place of coffee creamer - adding a little extra  minus the fat and wasted calories.

You really can have your cake and eat it too if you think through your snacks and plan for your fitness and health. I will be posting some more healthy New Year - New Goals - recipes soon. Stay tuned.


I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & FOLLOW me if you’re interested in all of my inspiration & tips, trials & tribulations, for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate.  The fitness equipment, apparel, supplements and more, that I use - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no affect on the cost to you.   Purchases through my links support my efforts to share on this blog.  


I only share information and items that I use regularly and truly believe in and love.  My results may not be the same for everyone.  I always recommend that you speak with your own healthcare provider prior to incorporating my routines into your own.  I am not a fitness or healthcare expert I simply share what works for me. 


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