Colette's Blog

Easy Holiday Low Carb Swaps

December 12, 2018

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve, planning a holiday brunch or traveling, there are plenty of holiday low carb swaps you can make so you can stick with your low carb lifestyle. Start by reviewing my 5 low carb holiday tips blog (you’ll also find delicious low carb holiday recipes for festive low carb holiday drinks, appetizers, side dishes and desserts).  

You can also refer to pages 104-105 in my book, Eat Right, Not Less, on how to celebrate (not just survive) the holidays. (HINT: This book also makes a great holiday gift!)

 
This special time of the year is about enjoying time with family and friends, and gathering together to enjoy favorite food and traditions. If you plan your low carb holiday swaps out in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy it all without guilt.

 Holiday Dinner

Many holiday main dishes are deliciously low carb, such as ham, turkey, lamb and prime rib. Fill your plate with your protein of choice and plenty of non-starchy veggies, and then you can add the finishing touches to your holiday dinner with these low carb holiday swaps:

  Swap mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for low carb Candied Ginger Sweet Potatoes

  Swap mashed potatoes for Cauliflower Sour Cream Mash.  

Swap stuffing for Sausage-Sage Stuffing or Wild Mushroom Stuffing.  

Swap Yorkshire pudding for Atkins Yorkshire Pudding, a traditional accompaniment to roast beef, such as Rosemary-Garlic Beef Rib Roast.

Swap that sugary cup of eggnog for low carb Hazelnut Eggnog.
 

Swap holiday sugar cookies for low carb Holiday Spice Roll-Out Cookies and you can still enjoy cookie-making time with family and friends. 

 

Holiday Brunch Basics

Traditional brunch dishes like bacon, sausage and eggs are naturally low in carbs. Add pizazz to your brunch with these low carb holiday options:
 

Swap French toast for this low carb French Toast Casserole, a crowd-pleasing favorite that will also feed a crowd!  

Swap quiche (and its high carb crust) for this hearty Sausage and Bell Pepper Frittata. The spinach and red bell peppers add a bit of holiday color.  

Swap cinnamon rolls for these ooey-gooey low carb Cinnamon Buns. They are easy to transport as well, if you’d like to bring them to a brunch gathering. 

 

Swap out sugary iced coffee drinks for a Holiday Protein Smoothie. You can liven up your holiday brunch and turn this drink into an adult beverage by adding 1-ounce brandy or rum.

 

More From Colette

Easter Treats: Celebrating with Low Carb Sweets

Bring on the beginning of brunch season with a selection of low carb sweets perfect for your Easter dessert table, plus a refreshing, lemon-y cocktail. Low Carb Berry Chantilly Cakes A variety of berries add a tangy sweetness to balance layers of rich Chantilly cream and vanilla cake, while colorful edible flowers become a gorgeous

Read More »

Atkins’ Low Carb Guide to Everything Spring!

As the frost thaws, spring is beginning to emerge; this is the chance to renew and rejuvenate your diet and lifestyle. This low carb guide to spring is packed with our favorite tips for making the most of this vibrant season, including fresh, low carb recipes that spotlight spring’s finest vegetables, energizing foods to put

Read More »

Going Green and Lean: A Low Carb St. Patrick’s Day Feast

This St. Patrick’s Day, you can celebrate the luck of the Irish with some culinary delights that may make you feel like you’ve found that pot of gold. You have your pick of traditional main dishes with a low carb twist, emerald-hued drinks and tasty treats. St. Patrick’s Day Entrees This year’s star of the

Read More »