The Meal Plan for the Week of December 12, 2022

Side Dishes that Shine for the Holidays

This week’s focus is on healthier holiday side dishes. You may not think too much about it, but sides play an important role in a meal. They complement the entrée but also provide a healthy dose of nutrient-rich ingredients for a well-rounded meal! ! Take a look at the side dishes below to grace your table with this year.

MEAL ONE:

Baked Latkes

Potato latkes, pronounced “lot-kuhs”, are a traditional side dish for Hanukkah. Just like any holiday dish, every family has a different way that they make latkes, but they are all usually fried in oil. It is traditional to eat fried foods at Hanukkah due to the significance of oil to the holiday (read more here). If you’re looking for a healthier version, this recipe bakes the latkes instead of frying them. However, they are still crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Latkes are traditionally served with sour cream and applesauce, but you could enjoy plain as well.


MEAL TWO:

Roasted Brussel Sprout Salad

This recipe is not only packed full of nutrients but is delicious too! Remember, filling your plate with vegetable-based dishes around the holidays is a great way to manage weight and feel full and satisfied after meals. The homemade dressing is a great addition to the salad and gives it a sweet, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, and cheese.


MEAL THREE:

Honey Roasted Carrots

These are not your usual mushy, cooked carrots! Roasting them in the oven means they are tender but still crisp. The carrots are covered in a honey seasoning that means everyone will be going back for more! They are also easy to assemble, cook, and complement any entrée you’re serving this year. Bon appétit!


MEAL FOUR:

Easy Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is a delicious, creamy rice dish made with a starchy and short-grain rice, like Arborio. The key to a delicious risotto is constant stirring! While that may sound tedious, it all pays off in the end. Enjoy this classic dish as a side to any entrée you’re serving this holiday season.


MEAL FIVE:

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Thinly slicing the sweet potato and fanning it out like an accordion makes this an impressive side dish that requires little effort! Brushing a butter, maple syrup and cinnamon mixture in between the slices makes for a tender and flavorful sweet potato that is sure to please.

About the dietitian

One of the Health Coaches at CHP, Lizzie completed her Dietetic Certificate and Internship at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. Her interest in nutrition and exercise field comes from a passion for helping people meet their goals. Being a part of someone’s health journey by listening, providing them with accountability, and encouraging them every step of the way has been the source of her coaching success.

Lizzie Waldo

Corporate Health Partners