It’s the holiday season, which means a time for celebrating with loved ones, unwrapping presents, and, of course, indulging in some mouth-watering festive food. But just because it’s the season to be merry doesn’t mean your healthy eating habits have to go out the window. You can still enjoy deliciously decadent food while supporting your hormones.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or looking for a quick holiday pick-me-up, we’ve put together three hormone-friendly and healthy Christmas recipes that are simple to make and prove you can eat healthy during the holidays without sacrificing on flavour.

Here are our three hormone-boosting recipes to get you through the holiday season.

Baked Christmas Salmon with Caramelised Winter Veggies

One of our most popular healthy Christmas recipes. This dish is always a festive crowd-pleaser full of omega-3s, fibre and antioxidants. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free holiday dinner. Best of all, it’s cooked in one tray, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredience (makes four servings)

For the Salmon:

●     4 salmon fillets (around 150g each)

●     2 tablespoons olive oil

●     2 garlic cloves, minced

●     1 teaspoon sea salt

●     ½ teaspoon black pepper

●     1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

●     1 lemon, sliced

For the Vegetables:

●     300g Brussels sprouts, halved

●     2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

●     1 large red onion, sliced

●     2 tablespoons olive oil

●     1 teaspoon honey

●     ½ teaspoon paprika

●     ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions: 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C – 200 °C and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and red onion with olive oil, honey paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
3. Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. While the veggies roast, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Rub this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
3. After the veggies have roasted for 20 minutes, remove the tray from the oven. Lay the salmon fillets on the tray, topping each with a slice of lemon.

Step 3: Bake Everything Together

1. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
2. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden top on the salmon and extra caramelisation on the veggies.
3. Garnish with extra rosemary and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Christmas Recovery Smoothie

This creamy Christmas smoothie is bursting with festive spices and packed with nutrients to help recharge your hormones. It’s the perfect post-party pick-me-up during the holidays.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 banana (frozen for creaminess)
• 1 handleful of fresh spinach
• 250ml unsweetened almond milk (or your favourite dairy-free milk)
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Add the spinach, almond milk, flaxseeds, banana, honey and spices to a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Adjust to Taste

Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or spices if needed. Add an extra splash of almond milk if it’s too thick.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

Pour into two glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick for an added festive touch.

Decadent Dark Chocolate Truffles Bites

These indulgent truffles will satisfy your chocolate cravings without the massive sugar spike. Made with antioxidant-rich cocoa and healthy fats, they’re refined sugar-free and vegan-friendly, making them the ultimate guilt-free treat this Christmas.

Ingredients (Makes 12 – 14)

●     15g dates, pitted

●     60g cacao or high-quality cocoa powder

●     1 tablespoon coconut oil

●     2 tablespoons cashew butter or your favourite nut or seed butter (make sure to choose butter that is free of added sugar, salt and preservatives)

●     A pinch of sea salt

Instructions: 

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.

Melt the coconut oil in a small heatproof bowl using a microwave or stovetop until it’s liquid and smooth.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a food processor, combine the dates, cocoa powder, cashew butter, coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt.

Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, sticky dough. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Shape and Coat

Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat this process until all the dough is used, which will make around  12-14 truffles.

Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts for a decorative finish.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Place the truffles on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best gooey texture.

So now you have some deliciously healthy Christmas recipes to add to your repertoire you can rest assured that your hormones will be well taken care of over the holidays.

If you think you might be struggling with a hormone imbalance and want expert treatment from our leading hormone clinic, then start by booking an online appointment now.