HEALTHY CHRISTMAS RECIPE SWAPS

Can you believe it's that time of year again? The time where many gather in the kitchen and share magical moments baking feasts fit for a king and desserts and sweets so sinful there could be a law enforced against them...ahh… It must be Christmas!

There is no denying we all deserve to indulge a little over the silly season, although it's also the time of year where many come undone. Months of hard work in the gym, eating healthy, and working on wellness can be quick to slip when it comes to holiday festivities if you're not prepared. That being said, if you're finding it challenging to come up with healthy recipes to prepare over the Christmas period, don't stress. We've got you! Keep your traditions and alternate your ingredients with these healthy Christmas recipe alternatives.

Let’s kick it off with desserts!

Who doesn’t love Pavlova? Fruity, creamy, and oh so sweet, Pavlova is a staple dessert for many on a hot Christmas afternoon. However, if you’re watching your waistline, check out this delicious alternative recipe from our ASN Life App.

60 g Mixed Berries

80 ml Coconut Yoghurt (Unsweetened/natural)

0.5 x Fruit - Apple (Medium ~140G/4.9oz)

0.5 pc Kiwifruit

60 g Mango

40 g Rockmelon

1. Slice fruit, and peel where necessary.
2. Place prepared fruit in a bowl and top with yoghurt.
3. Optional - sprinkle some candied pecans on top for a little extra crunch!
4. Serve in glass tumblers for individual servings

Just like your favourite Christmas Pudding minus the refined sugars and additional calories! We’ve added Evolve Vegan Protein (peanut protein) to the recipe; however, swap this out for Evolve Incredible Whey instead if you prefer whey protein!

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Using a food processor blitz together sultanas, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Add all other ingredients and blitz until well combined with even consistency.
3. Mould into bite sized balls and space evenly on the tray. Decorate as you wish with e.g drizzled melted chocolate or rolled in coconut.
4. Once made, keep refrigerated.

Naughty or nice? With this recipe, the big man in red is sure to have you on the nice list this year! Sweet, simple, and easy, check out this quick protein fuelled dessert alternative.

1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper then thoroughly rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine Vitawerx diced chocolate and coconut oil and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.
3. Dip strawberries in chocolate and place evenly spread on the prepared baking tray.
4. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, approx 30 minutes.

Do you want to opt-out of a big lunch for a change this Christmas Day? Check out our lighter, cleaner festive meal options below!

Add a platter of mixed healthy wraps and sandwiches to your Christmas banquet this year with this tasty recipe from our ASN Life App!

1. Heat oil in a fry pan over medium heat, add beef and cook to your liking.
2. Lay tortilla flat and spread with cream cheese. Fill with lettuce, beef and wrap tightly.
3. Toast slightly or keep fresh to serve.

Like you, we love our Fish and Chips; however, we don’t love the almost instant sluggishness that comes from deep-fried oil, batter, and excess salt (if you’re lucky to get any!). Whether it’s Christmas Day or a festive afternoon BBQ, enjoy this staple meal the healthy way with a few added extras. Check this fantastic recipe below from the ASN Life App.

1. Use a ratio of 1 quinoa to 2 water. Add water to a pot and place over medium heat.
2. When boiling, add quinoa and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer until quinoa is tender and water is evaporated (~15 minutes)
4. Heat a fry pan over medium heat and cook fish till it is white throughout and flaky.
5. Steam vegetables, or cook to your preference.
6. Serve quinoa topped with fish and vegetables and enjoy.

A classic roast meal for Christmas, there’s just nothing like it! This high-protein meal from our ASN Life App is an easy one to remember, not to mention a crowd favourite. Check out the recipe below!

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Cut sweet potato into cubes and slice red onion.
2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
3. In a single layer add chicken drumsticks, sweet potato and red onion and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until chicken is well cooked and sweet potato is tender.
5. Meanwhile, steam green vegetables.
6. Once chicken is cooked, serve alongside green vegetables, sweet potato and onion.

We’d love to see your healthy Christmas recipe alternatives! Share the love and post your creative cooking recipes in our ASN Life Facebook forum!

The most important thing to remember at Christmas is to enjoy yourself, enjoy your company and lastly, try not to put too much pressure on yourself if you slightly overindulge. Come the new year, re-evaluate your goals and get in the zone to prepare for the year ahead. From the team at Australian Sports Nutrition, we hope you have a safe and happy festive season!