Treat Yo’ Elf! Healthy Holiday Treats

Happy Holidays Fam!

Spending time with those we love seems to go hand in hand with indulging more in sweets and adult beverages. The great thing is, we believe a healthy balanced lifestyle over the holidays involves a little bit of movement and indulging in all the holiday sweets and festive bevvies.

This week, Lindsay and Joelle joined Emily to share some of their favorite ways to turn holiday indulgences into healthy snacks, as well as improve our mindset around what it means to "treat ourselves".

Find Your Equilibrium This Holiday Season

Stax is all about balance and that's why we encourage taking part in all the festive fun that comes with the holiday season.

Ho, Ho, Hold Up! Don’t Beat Yourself Up!

Don't forget to enjoy life!

We only get one life to live, and there is no shame in treating yourself to foods that bring you joy during the holiday season! Drink the eggnog, eat the cheesecake, have the beer, devour the chocolate (cacao is a superfood). The key here is moderation. We believe in mindful eating, and being aware which foods make us feel energized and nourished.

Be kind to yourself. If you get a little bit off track after your company’s Christmas party or a big family meal, don’t beat yourself up. Balance your indulgences by getting back on track the next day.

Hack Your Holiday

All that being said, there is absolutely no reason we can’t carry some good habits with us into the season. Especially with the recipes we’ve got coming at you! You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or joy with these fun holiday snacks.

We’re here to hack your holiday and keep it healthy - if that’s what you want! Here are some of our favorite holiday hacks - perfect to bring to your next holiday party or potluck!

Healthy Holiday Treats

If you’re in charge of bringing a dish for a potluck or party, try one of these healthy recipes that we love! Your body and your friends will appreciate it.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy hot chocolate without the guilt

This homemade hot chocolate recipe is not only divine but also versatile. You can mix it up with whichever milk you prefer, plant-based or otherwise. Oat milk gives you a nice, thick hot chocolate or you can add a splash of whipping cream making it super creamy. The key ingredient here is the honey or maple syrup which will give it that sweet taste we’re craving.

Once you’ve whipped up this easy hot chocolate, you can add some extras to it as well. Pour in some espresso for a healthy, homemade mocha, or if you need to take the edge off, add a shot of Bailey’s.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plant-based milk of your choice

• 2 tbsp of cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Optional add-ins:

  • splash of whipping cream for richness

  • a handful of chocolate chips

  • top with marshmallows

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and the texture is rich and creamy! Easy peasy!

Little Santa Fruit Kabobs

If you’re looking for a holiday snack that requires absolutely zero cooking, you’re in luck! These little Santas are so cute you almost don’t want to eat them and they could not be any easier to make.

You can get all the ingredients you need in one section at the grocery store for under 10 bucks. Everyone will be so excited to try these little snacks. Bring them to a holiday potluck to impress your friends or to a kid’s party and be dubbed the “cool mom.”

Ingredients:

• Strawberries

• Green grapes

• Banana slices

• Mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Slice your bananas and cut the greens off of the strawberries. Push a toothpick halfway through your grape, then slide on the banana, strawberry, and last, the mini marshmallow. You can prepare a whole platter ahead of time for a super simple yet healthy holiday snack!

Chocolate Coconut Protein Snowballs

The perfect post-workout holiday treat!

These scrumptious fudge balls are just as good for you as they are delicious. The holiday treats are one of Joelle’s favorite recipes from Michelle McGrattan and they pack the perfect combination of fat, protein, and carbs for a tasty, post-workout snack. They take a little bit more preparation but are still super fast and simple.

You can make some changes here to suit your taste buds! Try coconut or almond flour if you don’t have oat. This version tastes just like a brownie but you can switch it up to a vanilla protein powder for a different taste altogether. Make sure to use a vegan protein powder as whey protein doesn’t work quite right.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

• 1/7 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup plant-based chocolate protein powder

• 1/4 cup organic raw honey

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (more for rolling)

• 1/4 cup oat flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews

Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture pulls together. Roll into balls with slightly damp hands. Cover the balls in shredded coconut. Voila! You can store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

This is the season to focus on family and friends and enjoy yourself. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest!

Instead of focusing on what you can’t or shouldn’t have, focus on these delightful, guilt-free holiday treats that everyone can enjoy.

Then, when you do encounter that irresistible cookie or have one glass of wine too many, no worries (we have your hangover cure)! Have your fun and then take care of yourself the next day. Get a good night’s rest, drink lots of water, and come join us for a spin class. Your body will love you for it!