Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. Christmas is just over two weeks away, and New Year’s is right around the corner. The added busyness during the holidays can lead to feeling overwhelmed, overbooked, overcommitted, and stressed out. This toll can impact us mentally, physically, and emotionally. It affects our sleep, increases fatigue, raises inflammation, and often worsens anxiety and depression. On top of that, the average person gains 8-10 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s Day. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Today, we’re going to focus on finding ways to work smarter, not harder, this holiday season, creating more margin and less stress in our lives. Let’s explore 5 Holiday Hacks to achieve just that.
Holiday Hack: Go Semi-Homemade
While we’re big proponents of cooking from scratch, there are times when taking shortcuts can turn a potential take-out night into a kitchen win. Here are some tips:
- Rotisserie Chicken Magic: Grab a rotisserie chicken and incorporate it into soups or chilis, so you can enjoy high-quality protein without the extra cooking time. You can also shred the chicken and stuff lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lime for a quick and nutritious lunch.
- Pizza Perfection: Start with your favorite frozen pizza dough, add your preferred jarred sauce, your favorite vegetable toppings, and a sprinkle of flavorful cheese to make a delicious homemade pizza in no time.
- Chop Chop: Purchase pre-chopped produce, especially for those time-intensive vegetables, and save yourself the hassle of preparation. Toss them with a bit of olive oil and roast them as a side dish or add them to salads during the week.
Holiday Hack: Cook Once, Eat Twice
Batch cooking is a smart way to maintain your healthy eating habits, regardless of the time of year. This technique involves cooking more than you need in the moment so you can take advantage of having all your kitchen tools out, making the process more efficient. It’s not about leftovers but rather cooking one component that you can repurpose later. Some ideas include:
- Grain Game: Cook a larger batch of rice or quinoa to use in salads and grain bowls throughout the week.
- Egg-cellent: When making hard-boiled eggs, it’s just as easy to make a few extra. Enjoy them as a snack, crumble them into salads, or mash them with avocado for a quick, protein-packed dish.
- Sweet Savings: Baking sweet potatoes? Bake a few more than you need and you’ll have the base for a quick, customizable lunch. You can also puree or mash the flesh for baking or use it in various recipes.
Holiday Hack: Sheet Pan and One-Pot Meals
Who likes the clean-up part of cooking? We can all agree that it’s not the most enjoyable aspect of the culinary experience. You can make your life easier by searching for one-dish meals to significantly reduce the time spent doing the dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Baking Brilliance: Create baking pockets by lining foil with parchment and crimping it for perfectly roasted fish that stays juicy, never dry.
- Roast and Relax: Roast your favorite protein with seasonal produce for a delicious and hassle-free way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
Instant Pot Inspiration: If you haven’t learned how to use your Instant Pot, now is the time! You can get frozen proteins to the table quickly with this safe and straightforward pressure cooker. A simple 12-minute recipe could include frozen protein, your favorite jarred tomato sauce, and a jar of olives to create a tasty cacciatore that will have everyone eagerly sitting down for dinner. For plant-based protein, like dried chickpeas, simply soak the beans overnight and ensure they’re covered with fluid, such as jarred sauce and some broth, before cooking in the Instant Pot.
Holiday Hack: The Slow Cooker Savior
This holiday season, consider making friends with your slow cooker. It’s an unsung hero that can save you time and stress. Slow cookers are perfect for creating hearty, comforting meals that practically prepare themselves. You can toss in your ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, nourishing meal ready to enjoy. It’s an excellent way to accommodate your busy holiday schedule without compromising on nutrition. From soups and stews to pot roasts and even desserts, the slow cooker can be your ally in the kitchen. Plus, it fills your home with delicious aromas that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
By incorporating these holiday hacks and embracing your slow cooker, you can make the most of this holiday season. Working smarter, not harder, will leave you with more time to relish the festivities and create lasting memories with loved ones. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season!
Holiday Hack: Embrace Make-Ahead Meals
As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves juggling multiple commitments, from shopping for gifts to attending festive gatherings. This can lead to time constraints and a greater likelihood of resorting to less healthy meal options. One solution to this challenge is to embrace the concept of make-ahead meals.
- The Breakfast Powerhouse: Overnight Oats: Begin your day with a nutritious and time-saving breakfast option. Overnight oats are incredibly convenient. Prepare a week’s worth of these in advance, ensuring a wholesome breakfast is ready and waiting for you each morning. In a mason jar, combine rolled oats, your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), and your favorite toppings like berries, nuts, and honey. Seal the jar and refrigerate. By morning, your oats will have soaked up the flavors, creating a delicious and filling breakfast.
- Lunch-on-the-Go: Mason Jar Salads: Creating healthy, portable lunches can be a challenge during the holiday rush. Mason jar salads are a creative solution. Prepare several jars in advance by layering ingredients, starting with the dressing at the bottom, followed by denser items like grains or proteins, and finishing with lighter components like greens. Seal the jars and refrigerate. When it’s time to eat, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing evenly, and you have a fresh and satisfying salad, ready to enjoy wherever your day takes you.
- Dinner Delight: Freezer-Friendly Meals: Make-ahead dinner options can save you time during busy holiday evenings. Prepare double portions of your favorite meals and freeze the extra servings. Lasagnas, casseroles, and soups are excellent candidates for freezer-friendly meals. When you’re faced with a hectic day or simply want a break from cooking, you can defrost one of these pre-made dishes and have a home-cooked meal without the effort.
- Snack Smart: Pre-Portioned Snack Packs: When you’re on the go, it’s easy to opt for unhealthy snacks. To avoid this, assemble pre-portioned snack packs. Fill small containers or resealable bags with a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a few dark chocolate pieces. These portable snacks are convenient for a quick energy boost and help you resist less nutritious options.
By embracing the concept of make-ahead meals, you can ensure that you have healthy, convenient options at your fingertips during the holiday season. This approach not only saves you time but also helps you maintain your commitment to a nourishing diet, even when life gets busy.
With these additional time-saving holiday hacks in your toolbox, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the holiday season with ease and keep your health and wellness a top priority. Here’s to a joyful, stress-free, and health-conscious holiday season!
I’d love to hear from you – how are you going to work smarter not harder this holiday season?
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Kelly Calkins, BCHN®
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