Christmas Workout Challenge: 12 Days of Holiday Workouts

Is it just us or does it feel like Halloween was just yesterday? And yet here we are, already in the throes of the winter holidays. If you’re anything like us, you absolutely love the holidays. But what you don’t love is the impact they can have on the healthy habits you work so hard to stick to. Our Christmas Workout Challenge can help you stay in shape and maintain your healthy habits throughout the season.

Doesn’t it feel like, despite your best efforts, your clean diet flies out the window the second talk turns to the holidays? Food-packed festivities mean your healthy eating regimen can take quite a hit. And while there are plenty of tried and true strategies for minimizing the diet damage—bringing your own healthy dishes, loading up on water and focusing on family and fun instead of food—the reality is, all of the celebrations can take a toll.

That’s why it’s especially important to keep up with your exercise routine this time of year. While the uptick in social events and errands (we’re looking at you, present-shopping procrastinators!) mean that you’ll probably have less time to squeeze in super long sweat sessions, there’s good news: You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to reap the benefits of exercise this holiday season. Getting moving, even just a few minutes each day, can be all it takes to preserve the fitness you’ve been working so hard to build. It can also help neutralize some of the indulgences that top your holiday table.

While the holidays may not be the time to expect quick weight loss, they don’t have to undo all of your hard-earned progress. If you are smart about your indulgences, follow your Nutrisystem meal plan and stick to a holiday workout routine, you can maintain your weight loss throughout the season.

That’s why we put together this Christmas Workout Challenge. With this holiday workout plan, you’ll alternate between cardio moves designed to get your blood pumping and slower, more static moves designed to stretch you out and promote strength and balance. By the time the big holiday rolls around, you’ll feel fit and fabulous!

Please note: Always consult with your doctor before trying any new workout plan.

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Your 12 Days of Christmas Workout Challenge:

December 14th Workout of the Day: Mountain Climbers >

On the first day of Christmas, we’re kicking things off with a simple, full body workout move: mountain climbers. This holiday workout move requires no equipment, which means you can do it anywhere, even if you’re away for the holidays. Simply find a flat surface and give it a go. Watch your form to prevent injury and start with just a few reps, then work your way up to more.

December 15th Workout of the Day: Side Plank >

If yesterday’s workout of the day left you breathless, you’ll be happy to switch gears to this move. The side plank requires slow, deliberate movement and long pauses. But don’t underestimate the impact of the plank. It’s a great workout for your abs—specifically, your obliques. Hold it long enough and you’ll feel your muscles really tremble, which means it’s working! As with all the holiday workouts on our list, start slow with just a few reps and holding for just a few seconds. Work your way up to more reps and try holding the position longer each time. Need an incentive to hold your plank? Challenge a loved one to do this move with you and see who can hold it the longest!

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December 16th Workout of the Day: Chair Pose >

All of the holiday shopping and decoration hanging can really do a number on your back. This move will help you strengthen your lower back while also toning your legs (get ready to feel those quads trembling!) and improving your balance. It can be done any time and is completely equipment-free, which means holiday travel won’t get in the way of squeezing in this Christmas workout.

December 17th Workout of the Day: Cobra >

If strengthening and stretching your shoulders, chest and abs while reducing stiffness in your back is on your holiday wish list this year, this move was made for you. This move is easy to do and an extremely effective way to stretch out multiple muscles; a great follow-up to yesterday’s Christmas workout.

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December 18th Workout of the Day: Jumping Jacks >

A classic move you probably remember from your elementary school gym class days, jumping jacks are a great aerobic workout that’s sure to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. If you’re new to this move, start slow and consider beginning with just the arm or leg motions until you’re comfortable doing both. Please note that this is a high impact exercise. If you have joint pain, you may want to consider substituting this Christmas workout with one of our other holiday moves on the list.

December 19th Workout of the Day: Downward Dog >

After yesterday’s Christmas workout move, you’re due for a nice, slow stretch. The downward dog is the perfect answer to sore muscles. Stretching and strengthening your muscles while improving your balance, this holiday workout move also targets your upper and lower body. You’ll feel it in your hands, arms, shoulders, back, calves, hamstrings and even the arches of your feet.

December 20th Workout of the Day: Lunge >

Who knew a simple step forward and back could give way to gorgeous gams? But it’s true: Nothing targets the legs quite like a lunge. It’s very important that you maintain good form while doing this holiday workout move, as poor form can result in injuries. When you step forward, make sure your knee does not extend beyond your toes.

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December 21st Workout of the Day: Warrior II Pose >

If you’re feeling a little sore after yesterday’s Christmas workout move, congrats! That means you put those muscles to work. Reward yourself today with the Warrior II pose, a powerful stretch for the legs, groins and chest. Bonus: Warrior II also helps relieve backaches and strengthen the muscles in the thighs and buttocks.

December 22nd Workout of the Day: Push-ups >

If you want great arms, push-ups are your solution. But this holiday workout of the day is good for more than that; push-ups also work your chest and abs. Intimidated by this challenging move? The great thing about push-ups is that if they prove too difficult, you can modify them.

December 23rd Workout of the Day: Cat & Cow Pose >

If you’re still on cloud nine after mastering yesterday’s Christmas workout move, good! You should be proud. Reward yourself today with the Cat and Cow poses; two moves that warm your body and bring flexibility to the spine. Both are great stretches for the back torso and neck. They also open the chest, encouraging your breath to become slow and deep. Coordinating this movement with your breathing can relieve stress and calm the mind—something we all need this time of year!

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December 24th Workout of the Day: Plank >

OK, holiday workout warriors; it’s time to give yourself a serious pat on the back. You’ve been working hard to stick to your holiday workouts and by now, we bet it’s starting to show. Let’s keep the momentum going with this super effective move that engages your entire body. Hold the pose as long as you feel comfortable, then try again a few times throughout the day to see if you can increase your hold time with each attempt.

December 25th Workout of the Day: Butterfly Pose >

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the last day of our Christmas Workout Challenge. A simple and effective stretch that’s great for improving flexibility in your inner thighs, knees and spine, the butterfly pose is the perfect Christmas workout move to start your day. Engage in this relaxing and stress-reducing move first thing in the morning (before the happy chaos ensues) for a beautiful start to a beautiful holiday!

The post Christmas Workout Challenge: 12 Days of Holiday Workouts appeared first on The Leaf.

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Winter Wellness Guide 2024: Stay Healthy and Fit During Cold Season

When it’s cold and dreary outside, many of us feel the urge to hibernate. Although we don’t sleep through the entire winter like bears, we tend to stay indoors, indulging in comfort foods while longing for warmer days.

However, winter is not the time to neglect your health or weight loss goals. This season brings increased exposure to colds, the flu and other airborne illnesses, especially since we spend more time indoors. The hearty meals we crave on cold days are often high in calories, and the colder weather can lead to decreased physical activity.

We’re here to assist. After delving into scientific research, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide filled with valuable tips for navigating wellness in the winter season. Discover how to bolster your body’s natural defenses, find ways to burn calories both indoors and outdoors, and explore simple, delicious recipes that satisfy without derailing your healthy diet.

Boosting Your Immune System in Winter: Essential Nutrients and Foods

Avoiding common colds and other viruses entirely during winter is nearly impossible. However, a robust immune system can often prevent these viruses from causing serious symptoms. Beyond defending against minor illnesses, your immune system also shields you from major diseases, including cancer.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, your immune system requires a steady intake of five key nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes is the best way to obtain these essential nutrients. The wider the variety of these healthy foods in your diet, the more likely you are to meet your needs for these vitamins and minerals. Nutritional supplements are an option, but you should consult with your healthcare provider to determine if they’re appropriate for you.

Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of digestive tract microbes in our immune systems, as reported by the Harvard School of Public Health. Prebiotic and probiotic foods support healthy microbial colonies. While all vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains contain prebiotic fiber, garlic, onions, asparagus and bananas are particularly rich sources. For probiotics, consider fermented foods and those with live cultures, like yogurt, sauerkraut and kombucha.

Maintaining a healthy weight and eating well can enhance your immune function. Obesity is associated with impaired immune function, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strengthen your immune system by avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, ensuring adequate sleep and staying active—all of which also support weight loss goals.

Winter Wellness Exercise Tips: Indoor and Outdoor Activities to Keep Fit

Nothing may seem more appealing than cozying up on the couch to binge-watch your favorite series when the weather is frightful. However, it’s crucial to stay active, aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be broken down into three 10-minute sessions if preferred. The key is to incorporate physical activity into your routine, ensuring you don’t neglect exercise until spring.

Exercising outdoors in cold weather can be invigorating. Activities like walking, hiking, ice skating, cross-country skiing and sledding not only get you out into the fresh air and sunlight but also help you feel warmer upon returning indoors. Dress in layers, protect your extremities, choose shoes with good traction and take extra time to warm up and cool down, especially for vigorous workouts, as recommended by the National Institute on Aging. For more tips, explore Nutrisystem’s advice for exercising in cold weather.

Indoor workouts are equally important for winter wellness. Have a backup plan for days when outdoor conditions are unfavorable. Many gyms and fitness centers offer winter discounts. Swimming provides a great total body workout, and spin classes offer an energetic indoor cycling experience. Alternatively, a wide range of free workout videos are available on YouTube, including calisthenics, Pilates, yoga and Zumba.

You don’t even have to do a formal workout to burn calories. Simple indoor exercises can be done without any special equipment, and even household chores or dancing at a party can burn calories. We put together a list of 10 simple but effective workouts that you can try.

Winter Hydration: Tips for Staying Hydrated in Cold Weather

In warm weather, sweating reminds us to stay hydrated. However, the dry air of winter can lead to dehydration, often without noticeable symptoms, as explained by a report from the Mayo Clinic. Dehydration can slow your metabolism and confuse thirst with hunger, leading to unnecessary eating.

Staying hydrated doesn’t mean you must drink cold water all day. Warm broths, herbal teas and lemon-infused hot water are comforting options. While sports drinks claim to offer hydration benefits, they are often high in sugar and calories and provide little advantage over plain water. Aim for at least 64 ounces of fluids daily, tracking your intake with the Nutrisystem app or a simple tally system.

Healthy Winter Eating: Nutritious Comfort Foods for Cold Months

Winter is the perfect time for comfort foods and hearty meals that warm us from the inside out. Fortunately, enjoying these foods doesn’t have to sabotage your weight loss efforts. The Nutrisystem menu offers a variety of hearty winter meals, like Merlot Beef with Root Vegetables and Roasted Turkey Medallions. Keep your kitchen stocked with these convenient options to avoid supermarket trips on cold days.

When preparing your own meals, focus on nutritious, seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, squash and sweet potatoes. Pair these with lean proteins in satisfying dishes such as Roasted Chicken with Rainbow Carrots and Potatoes or Dutch Oven Pot Roast. Utilize your slow cooker for easy, flavorful dishes like Chicken Gumbo and Unlimited Vegetable Stew.

When it’s cold outside, we love soup for lunch and dinner. We have tons of healthy soup recipes on the Leaf. All are rich in flavor, easy to make and approved by our team of expert dietitians. We’re talking about classics like Tomato Basil and French Onion. Our Chicken Parm Soup is sure to crush your craving for the classic Italian dish.

Managing Winter Stress: Tips for a Calmer Holiday Season

The holiday season, with its endless to-do list of shopping, cleaning, cooking and party preparations, can be particularly stressful. This stress can manifest as headaches, insomnia, digestive issues, anxiety and even more severe symptoms like chest pain and high blood pressure. Furthermore, stress is a known trigger for overeating and making unhealthy food choices.

While it’s impossible to eliminate stress entirely, you can mitigate its effects. Exercise reduces cortisol levels, which can be harmful when chronically elevated, according to a study in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. Even low-intensity activities like walking can help relax both mind and body.

Daily meditation, yoga and tai chi can be effective for reducing stress, offering the additional benefits of low-impact exercise. Maintain your regular sleep routine during the holidays to prevent stress-related overeating and weight gain.

Certain foods, such as salmon, walnuts and dark chocolate, can help manage holiday stress and combat winter blues. Explore our complete list of 10 mood-boosting superfoods for the winter months.

Socializing with family and friends is one of the most effective ways to alleviate stress, as social connections can modify our stress response, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Engaging in conversations with supportive friends can lower blood pressure and heart rate.

However, if family interactions are the source of stress, seek out friends who offer a listening ear or share a laugh with you. Laughter has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression by altering stress-related factors, as reported in the journal Current Research in Physiology. Regardless of the stress source, finding reasons to smile or laugh can make challenges more manageable.

The post Winter Wellness Guide 2024: Stay Healthy and Fit During Cold Season appeared first on The Leaf.

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30 Best Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests

Sharing a delicious feast with the people you love is a holiday highlight for many of us. While we love the main entrees like turkey, ham, and roast beef, we often get more excited about the Christmas side dishes.

To help you make a meal that impresses your guests, we’ve collected our best Christmas dinner side dishes. They offer new ideas for potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as well as some suggestions for bread and muffins. They will make your celebration memorable!

Most of these Christmas side dishes are quick and easy to prepare, so they won’t take you away from spending time with your guests. All of them will delight your family and friends while keeping you on track with your weight loss plan.

1. Warm Winter Salad with Pears

Toss the ordinary salad for your holiday side dish this year and instead serve up this seasonal blend of vegetables and fresh fruit. It features fresh Brussels sprouts shaved into thin ribbons, diced sweet potatoes and juicy pear slices. Goat cheese adds a creamy texture and protein, while chopped pecans give each bite a bit of crunch.

The salad dressing is a simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon for sweet heat. The following day, add leftover turkey or chicken to the remaining servings of this salad to make yourself a nutritious and satisfying lunch.

Get the Warm Winter Salad with Pears recipe.

2. Dutch Oven Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Baking bread may sound like it requires advanced-level kitchen skills, but anyone can succeed with this easy Christmas side recipe. You make it with whole wheat flour for nutty flavor, chewy texture and a serving of fiber. The key is using a Dutch oven so that it forms an even and appetizing shape as it bakes.

Prepare the dough early in the day of the party (or the day before), have it in the oven when guests arrive and your home will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of fresh bread. If there’s any left, you have the foundation for a healthy, day-after sandwich.

Get the Dutch Oven Honey Whole Wheat Bread recipe.

3. Warm Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad

Several seasonal favorites come together in this fresh take on a holiday side dish. Shaved Brussels sprouts are paired with savory shallots, chopped pecans, and fresh or dried cranberries. Coat it all with a sweet and savory homemade honey dressing and serve the dish while the sprouts are still warm.

Get the Warm Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad recipe.

4. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a delicious and appetizing alternative to high-calorie candied sweet potatoes. In this recipe, the super-nutritious orange tubers are sliced partially through into thin, even segments that result in a dramatic fan-like appearance once they’re baked. Before the sweet potatoes go into the oven, they’re flavored with an olive oil mixture infused with minced garlic and chopped rosemary. They cook slowly in the oven and come out crisp on the outside, yet tender and sweet on the inside.

For an even more appealing presentation, top the sweet potatoes with shredded cheddar, mozzarella or chunks of blue cheese and melt it before serving.

Get the Hasselback Sweet Potatoes recipe.

5. Dutch Oven Creamy Winter Vegetable Soup

A rich and creamy homemade soup is sure to warm up any get-together. With this recipe, it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, leeks, onions, celery root, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and kale. All you do is cook them until tender in a Dutch oven, season them with herbs like garlic, rosemary and thyme, and add vegetable broth.

After simmering for about 35 to 45 minutes, you blend it all together with an immersion blender (or an ordinary blender) and stir in nonfat milk for creamier texture. A swirl of pesto in each bowl is a colorful finishing touch.

Get the Dutch Oven Creamy Winter Vegetable Soup recipe.

6. Creamed Brussels Sprouts

The cheese lovers around your table will rejoice when you make this festive holiday recipe. You start by charring the Brussels sprouts to bring out their natural sweetness and to add a hint of smoky flavor. Then they’re bathed in a rich sauce made with nonfat milk, half and half, shredded light white cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese.

After baking the dish briefly, you broil it to give it a crusty brown top. This recipe is almost certain to become a new tradition for your seasonal celebrations.

Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

7. Whole Wheat Cranberry Orange Bread

Treat your guests (and yourself) to one of the sweetest Christmas side dishes that you can serve at dinner, breakfast or coffee break. This soft loaf has the bright taste of orange juice and zest and the tart flavor of dried cranberries.

The bread is rich and moist, thanks to real eggs, butter and applesauce, along with whole wheat flour. You can put any slices left into the freezer and toast them for yourself on a winter morning or afternoon.

Get the Whole Wheat Cranberry Orange Bread recipe.

8. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

When you serve this easy Christmas side, everyone will ooh and aah over the crusty topping made of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Then they’ll rave about the perfectly tender broccoli and the zesty flavor, thanks to the Dijon mustard, garlic powder and black pepper. No one but you needs to know this dish is so healthy, it’s approved by the dietitians at Nutrisystem.

Get the Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe.

9. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Winter squash are traditional Christmas side dishes for many families. This version is both delicious and nutritious.

Sweet acorn squash is baked until tender. The filling is a blend of quinoa, walnuts, herbs, and pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries. The dish is hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians at your holiday table and it makes a healthy lunch for you anytime.

Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

10. Roasted Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

This holiday, bring an exciting new sweet potato dish to your table. To make it, slice the sweet potatoes and roast them until tender. Spice them with cinnamon and toss with maple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness.

Finally, top with crunchy, salty pecans and tart cranberries. This elegant yet simple dish is healthy comfort food for any day of the week.

Get the Roasted Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes recipe.

11. 2-Step Herb Mashed Potatoes

You can turn ordinary mashed potatoes into one of the easiest Christmas side dishes in two quick steps. The potatoes are boiled with the skin on for an earthy flavor and a healthy portion of fiber. Then you mash them with nonfat milk and light butter for a creamy texture. Dial up the flavor with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Get the 2-Step Herb Mashed Potatoes recipe.

12. Instant Pot Roasted Cauliflower

Break up the dull vegetable routine with one of our favorite Christmas side dishes. The cauliflower is flavored with lemon juice, garlic, thyme, cumin and smoked paprika, then cooked to tenderness in the Instant Pot for just three minutes. A few minutes under the broiler and the vegetable turns sweeter, crisp around the edges and browned. Sprinkle pine nuts and golden raisins on top before serving for an elegant touch.

Get the Instant Pot Roasted Cauliflower recipe.

13. Pomegranate Arugula Salad

The peppery flavor of arugula complements the tangy pomegranate seeds, sweet pears and creamy goat cheese in this easy holiday side dish. The salad also includes pistachios for a salty crunch, and it’s dressed with a sweet and savory homemade vinaigrette flavored by Dijon mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and pomegranate juice. Keep the salad fresh by adding the dressing just before serving.

Get the Pomegranate Arugula Salad recipe.

14. Cauliflower Risotto with Spinach and Mushrooms

Risotto is the creamy, cheesy rice dish that makes any meal special. This healthier version replaces the white rice with more nutritious riced cauliflower. You can buy it in many supermarkets or make it yourself in a few minutes with a food processor.

Sauté mushrooms and spinach for hearty flavor and add them to the cauliflower. Shredded cheese and nonfat milk give your risotto the perfect silky texture.

Get the Cauliflower Risotto recipe.

15. Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms with Honey Balsamic Drizzle

The same-old green bean casserole can’t compare to this sweet and savory holiday side dish. The string beans and meaty mushrooms are coated in a blend of honey, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and seasoned with thyme, garlic powder and sea salt. Roasting in the oven blends and deepens all the flavors. Save this easy holiday recipe to make whenever you have fresh green beans and want a tasty and healthy way to prepare them.

Get the Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms recipe.

16. Seasonal Butternut Squash Pomegranate Couscous Salad

Couscous may look like a grain, but it’s actually tiny pasta pearls. They’re the foundation of this filling salad, featuring a medley of tastes and textures from butternut squash, pomegranate seeds and sliced almonds. You can serve it warm or cold, so it’s a handy option for workplace and neighborhood potluck parties.

Get the Seasonal Butternut Squash Pomegranate Couscous Salad recipe.

17. Skinny Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If you and your family like to keep things simple, make a batch of this easy holiday side dish. It combines sweet potatoes and mashed cauliflower for hearty texture and lots of nutrients. Blend in Greek yogurt and skim milk to make it creamy and top with toasted pecans, fresh herbs, a sprinkle of feta cheese, or nothing at all, if that’s your preference.

Get the Skinny Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.

18. Roasted Balsamic Figs and Brussels Sprouts

Bring something new to the table with this festive holiday side dish. It features two seasonal specialties, fresh figs and Brussels sprouts.

The figs are sweet and juicy, a tasty complement to the earthy flavor of the vegetables. They’re drizzled with balsamic vinegar and then slow-roasted until the figs are soft and the sprouts get crisp around the edges. It’s sure to impress.

Get the Roasted Balsamic Fig and Brussels Sprouts recipe.

19. 3-Step Savory Herb Muffins

Your crowd will go wild when you bring out a basket of these warm and fragrant fresh-baked muffins. You’ll be quietly glad to know that they are made with healthy ingredients like pureed sweet potato, rolled oats, whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt. They’ll exclaim over the savory herbal flavor. You’ll be relaxed knowing the recipe is simple and healthy.

Get the 3-Step Savory Herb Muffins recipe.

20. Easy Instant Pot Herb Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic Christmas side dish. Cooking them in the Instant Pot speeds up the process, frees up your oven and locks in rich flavor. Herbs such as oregano, rosemary and thyme perk up the taste, while a light coating of olive oil helps to crisp up the baby potatoes’ skin. They go well with classic turkey, roast beef or savory salmon.

Get the Easy Instant Pot Herb Roasted Potatoes recipe.

21. Fig Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

A salad can be a truly festive holiday side dish when you use delicious and fresh ingredients. In this recipe, the blend includes fresh figs, dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, red onions, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pumpkin seeds. The base is hearty quinoa, so the salad is nutritious and filling. The Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette gives it all a seasonal flavor that fits on your party table.

Get the Fig Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe.

22. Sheet Pan Potatoes and Pears

Pears are an unexpectedly tasty companion to potatoes. Roasting softens the fruit and enhances its complex flavors, while the potatoes turn crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Add red onions for a zesty note and fresh rosemary to keep it savory. Best of all, this easy holiday side dish leaves just a single pan for you to clean up when the meal is done.

Get the Sheet Pan Potatoes and Pears recipe.

23. Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Muffins

These muffins are a healthy Christmas side dish that tastes like dessert. That’s because carrots are the naturally sweet vegetable that actually give baked goods a delicious flavor and a rich texture.

Grated carrots are blended with apple sauce, yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla, so the muffins come out moist and crumbly. Sliced almonds, raisins and cinnamon add extra taste to every bite. The recipe makes six muffins but you may want to double or triple it so you have plenty left over to enjoy on the chilly days ahead.

Get the Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Muffins recipe.

24. Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots

For an easy Christmas side dish that’s sure to please a crowd and keep you on track, try this tasty recipe. Baby carrots are bathed in a sweet coating of honey, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. They’re seasoned with salt, pepper and fresh parsley, then roasted in the oven to bring out even more of the carrots’ flavor. It’s so simple to make, it may become a go-to vegetable for your family all year long.

Get the Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots recipe.

25. Savory Brussels Sprouts with Apple

Give your holiday feast a truly seasonal flair with a tasty pairing of these two fresh ingredients. The sprouts are cut in half, the apples are diced, and they’re both flavored with a simple combination of apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, salt and pepper. It all roasts in the oven until the Brussels sprouts and apples become tender and fragrant. This Christmas side dish is so savory and sweet that it is sure to win over anyone around the table who is skeptical about Brussels sprouts.

Get the Savory Brussels Sprouts recipe.

26. Festive Christmas Salad with Pomegranate and Pear

When planning your Christmas dinner, salads might not be the first dish you think of—but this Festive Christmas Salad is here to change that. Packed with seasonal flavors and vibrant, colorful ingredients, it’s an irresistible addition to your holiday table. Its perfect balance of sweetness and crunch make it a must-have for any festive meal. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that looks stunning and tastes even better.

Get the Festive Christmas Salad recipe.

27. Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Casserole with Parmesan

This butternut squash casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings together the rich, earthy taste of roasted butternut squash with the freshness of herbs, the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas and the vibrant texture of kale. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to try something new, this recipe is a must for casserole enthusiasts and squash lovers alike.

Get the Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Casserole recipe. 

28. Instant Pot Collard Greens

For a healthy and delicious side dish, try this Instant Pot collard greens recipe. Packed with vitamins and minerals, collard greens are a nutrient-rich superfood, and this simple recipe brings out their incredible flavor. Perfect for the holidays or any winter meal, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your diet. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful addition to your table!

Get the Instant Pot Collard Greens recipe.

29. Carbonara Mashed Potatoes

What if you could elevate your classic mashed potatoes into something extraordinary? Meet Carbonara Mashed Potatoes—a luxurious, flavor-packed twist inspired by the beloved Italian carbonara pasta. Blending the creamy richness of parmesan cheese, the savory touch of turkey bacon, and the velvety smoothness of whisked eggs, this recipe turns a humble side dish into a stunning centerpiece worthy of your Christmas dinner table.

Get the Carbonara Mashed Potatoes recipe.

30. Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Honey Glaze

This roasted carrot and ricotta dish is everything you want in your Christmas side dishes: simple, stunning and bursting with flavor. Roasting elevates the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a deep, caramelized richness, while the whipped ricotta provides a luxuriously creamy contrast. A drizzle of honey ties it all together, amplifying the carrots’ sweetness and adding a touch of indulgence.

Get the Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Honey Glaze recipe.

The post 30 Best Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests appeared first on The Leaf.

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How to Stay Active During the Holidays

The holiday season can be so hectic. This can make keeping up with your weight loss plan challenging. All the tempting food and drinks can detour your healthy eating plan. On top of that, you may also struggle to find time to get in the recommended 30 minutes of calorie-burning activity each day.

Looking for ideas and inspiration for staying active during the holidays? You can find opportunities this season to get moving and maybe have fun while you’re at it. Check out these nine simple ways to stay on track with your holiday fitness routine:

1. Stroll After Eating

You might be tempted to find a couch to sprawl on after a big holiday meal. However, walking helps you digest the food and gets your metabolism working. Round up a few partners and go for a brisk walk before settling in for post-meal relaxation.

A 30 -minute walk burns about 135 calories (for a 155-pound person). What’s more, walking right after a meal rather than an hour later keeps you from storing extra pounds and may speed up your weight loss after you’re done, according to a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine.

2. Chop and Split

A crackling fire is a holiday tradition in many households, and it offers you a chance to get in some exercise. According to an old saying, splitting a pile of firewood warms you twice: when you’re chopping the wood and again when you’re sitting by the fire. Chopping and splitting firewood burns up about 215 calories in 30 minutes.

3. Shoveling Session

If you live where snow falls during the holiday season, you can tone your muscles and strengthen your heart and lungs by shoveling it. That will burn up about 215 calories in a half-hour. Be sure to work at a moderate, steady pace to avoid injury. And remember, you’ll reduce the strain if you lift the shovel with your whole body and not just your lower back muscles.

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4. Cool Fun

There are lots of fun ways to be active outdoors in winter. Skating on a frozen pond outside or on an indoor ice rink will burn about 250 calories in 30 minutes. Find a gentle slope and go sledding or tobogganing (around 245 calories) with the kids. Visit a local park with trails through fields or forests to go cross-country skiing, which burns about 245 calories.

Where snow is heavy, you can dial it up another notch with snowshoeing (290 calories). It requires no skills other than walking through the snow. Many local outfitters will rent you the gear you need to try these winter activities.

5. Hydration Hint

We usually think about staying hydrated when we’re sweating in warm weather. Cold, dry air and winds can dehydrate us, too, so it’s just as important to get in plenty of fluids during the winter season. Drinking plenty of water also activates your metabolism, so you’re burning calories even after you stop exercising.

6. Get Dancing

Whether you’re at a party or just home with your family, dancing is a fun way to be active, get your heart pumping, and tone your body. The waltz or other slow dances burn about 110 calories in a half-hour, while faster disco-style or square-dancing torches about 200 calories.

Whichever style you prefer, dancing releases endorphins in your body. They’re the “feel good” hormones that naturally relieve pain and reduce stress. Endorphins can also help to regulate your appetite, which is important for weight loss.

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7. Play Time

Keeping kids active helps them expend the excited energy that builds up during the holiday break. Join them and you can get in a little activity for yourself.

Outdoors, take the kids to the playground. While they play and explore, you can do planks, jumping jacks and other simple calisthenics. If the weather outside is frightful, simple games such as musical chairs, duck-duck-goos, and the limbo get them moving, while you burn about 140 calories. You could even build a snowman together for some family bonding!

8. Party Prep

House cleaning before or after a party is no fun, but it does stoke your metabolism. All the scrubbing, bending, pushing and straining works off about 160 calories in a half hour. But you should still ask others to help, so the burden isn’t all on you.

9. Drop While You Shop

Walking around the mall, in and out of stores, can add up to a lot of steps that help you get to 30 minutes a day of activity. While you’re standing in line, remember that you’re still burning about 35 calories. That’s a little gift to yourself during the holiday season.

* Calorie estimates are for a 155-pound person. Based on information from Harvard Health Publishing.

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