The perfect recipe for a happy and healthy holiday season

Family Features

It can be challenging to eat right during the holidays, especially when the entire season seems filled with hearty meals, rich dishes and sweet treats. While it’s OK to moderately splurge before kick-starting the New Year with a healthy diet, it’s important to build momentum prior to Jan. 1 by making smart dietary decisions over the holidays to ensure a healthy immune system during the winter months and increased energy for burning off those extra calories.

Drink to Your Health

A simple way to enjoy a healthy holiday season and New Year is to start each day with a nutrient-rich beverage packed with essential ingredients that produce increased energy levels, decreased cravings for seasonal junk foods, and greater overall wellness.

Whether it’s a nourishing morning pick-me-up or a midday energy and immunity boost, these nutritious and delicious recipes from NutriBullet will help ensure a healthy holiday season and put you on the right track to wellness in the New Year. The NutriBullet emulsifies healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains into their most easily digestible state.

Learn more at www.nutribullet.com.

Sniffle Snatcher

A tasty combination of vitamin C-rich ingredients, cayenne to reduce congestion, and rosemary to reduce inflammation and soothe a sore throat.

1cup kale

1carrot

1pear (cored and seeds removed)

1/2cup cubed pineapple

Dash of cayenne pepper

Dash of fresh rosemary

Add water to the max line of the large cup, and blast.

Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pie

An antioxidant-rich, protein-packed healthy dessert option so you can enjoy the flavors of the season guilt-free.

1/4cup organic silken tofu or organic Greek-style yogurt

1/2cup canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin

1/2apple (cut, cored, and seeds removed)

1tablespoon raw almond butter

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves

1–2teaspoons pure maple syrup

1cup almond milk

Add ingredients to large cup, and blast.

Flu Fighter

Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial ginger help keep the immune system at its peak during the winter months.

1/2cup spinach

1/2cup Swiss chard

1/4cup parsley

1kiwi (peeled)

1/2lime (peeled)

1banana (peeled)

1/2bell pepper (seeds and stem removed)

1 inch fresh ginger root (peeled)

Add water to the max line of the large cup, and blast.

Cranbanana Blast

Filled with heart-healthy nutrients and anti-viral properties, cranberries blend well with bananas and dates for a tart-sweet treat.

1cup spinach

1ripe banana (peeled)

1/2cup fresh or frozen cranberries

2dates

Add water or almond milk to the max line of the large cup, and blast.

Sweet Potato Pick-Me-Up

Complex carbs from the sweet potato will provide sustained energy, and cinnamon keeps blood sugar balanced.

1/2cooked sweet potato (skin on)

1/2teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

1cup ice cubes

Add almond or coconut milk to the max line of the large cup, and blast.