Fat St. Nick

Oh, the holidays. That special time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s where we indulge in every food and beverage item we can. At Thanksgiving alone, we consume more than 4,500 calories at dinner. Add on all the Christmas parties and Christmas dinner, well…. Holy Fatass!

Thanks to Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN and co-creator of 2B Mindset nutrition program, we’ve got these delicious side dishes you can whip-up for the feast without feeling guilt. Now you can drink more spiked eggnog since these sides are healthier. LOL

​Caramelized Carrots

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into 4-6 inch pieces 
2 tablespoons  olive, grape seed or avocado oil 
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon cinnamon
orange or lemon zest, and fresh thyme to garnish (optional)
 
Place carrots into a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until fork tender.  
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

In a small bowl, mix together salt, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the olive oil and turn into a paste. 

Let the steamed carrots sit to cool, then place on a parchment- or tinfoil- lined baking sheet. 

Using well washed or gloved hands, rub the brown paste all over the carrots. 
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Bake for 7 minutes. Garnish right before serving, and enjoy!
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​Toasted Green Beans and Slivered Almonds

Serves 6-8

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut or grapeseed oil in a nonstick wok or large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 pounds of trimmed green beans or haricots verts for 3-5 minutes or until tender with crispy edges.

2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce or Tamari and 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil.

3. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds.

Enjoy!
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