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Guilt-Free Holiday Goodies: 5 Healthy Holiday Baking Recipes

Baked goodies are especially hard to resist this time of year. They’re everywhere! The neighbor’s cookie exchanges, the office breakroom, the school holiday party, free samples at the grocery store...

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that during fall and winter holidays, many in the United States, Germany and Japan gain weight. In the United States, Thanksgiving brings a weight creep of an additional 0.2 percent. The Christmas holidays mean more pounds from the ten days before Christmas to the ten afterwards, leading to another 0.4 percent increase. After the winter holidays, Americans have gained 1.3 pounds in total from festive eating.

Fortunately, we have your back when it comes to cutting the calories and sugar in your holiday baking. Try out these five holiday dessert recipes that are delicious and healthy alternatives to boost your overall wellness.

1. Bring on the grins with candy canes...in ice cream form!

Photo of peppermint cookes and chocolate chips in separate bowls

Peppermint and chocolate come together to create an irresistible frozen cream that will have your guests, especially the younger ones, smiling from ear to ear. Potassium-rich bananas take center stage, eliminating the need for fattening, calorie-high cream and sugar. You will want to freeze your plantains in advance. A food processor is required to make this creamy, cool confection, as well as peppermint extract. Be cautious and sparing with the extract: One drop adds a lot of flavor.

2. Hello, Reese’s fans. Meet healthy, scrumptious buckeyes!

Photo of delicious buckeyes

If you love the marriage of peanut butter with chocolate, these healthy holiday buckeyes will have you salivating. Buckeyes are peanut butter balls dipped in dark chocolate. This creative recipe uses all-natural peanut butter, shredded coconut and maple syrup, among other ingredients to make a rich and satisfying treat. As a plus, other toppings that might tickle your fancy – sprinkles, coconut flakes, sea salt, crushed nuts, cocoa powder or powdered sugar – are suggested.

3. Substitute tang for sweet with these lemon cheesecake bars.

If you are required to be vigilant about your sugar intake, substitute sugar for citrus in these lemon-bright bars. Only one-third cup of sugar is needed to make a full sheet of these luscious sweets. The cheesecake is created by combining Greek yogurt with 1/3 less fat cream cheese.

4. Howl with happiness when eating holiday chocolate bark!

Nothing says Christmas is here more than almond, chocolate or peppermint bark. We all love it! This delish white chocolate holiday bark packs a healthy anti-oxidant and fiber punch with its dried cranberries and almonds. Tell guilt to take a hike when you bite.

5. Grab a gingerbread man!

Photo of ginger bread man and ginger bread stocking

These iced gingerbread cookies are the real thing when it comes to flavor but a healthier version: White whole-wheat flour and less butter make it easier to say yes to more than one.

Indulge during your holidays with these delicious desserts that will help you begin the new year healthy, ready for all 2020 will bring!