Making a Low Calorie Vegetarian Holiday Feast

With the holidays approaching, your mind is likely turning (as is mine) to thoughts of holiday baking and cooking, and finding low-cal and vegetarian dishes and treats that can be part of a healthy but yummy feast. In my case, my feast will be vegetarian. :)  I thought I’d take the time to share my menu ideas for a vegetarian holiday feast.  These dishes take the spotlight off of the turkey and ham and put it on lower calorie options that you’ll love.  Think about bringing these dishes to your holiday table, or even with you to a friend's holiday party.


Appetizers
A great option for appetizers for your vegetarian feast is soup.  Your favorite veggie soup can take center stage, or you can try yummy homemade carrot soup.   Or, you might choose to serve low fat tomato soup or butternut squash soup. All are super yummy.  Another time saving appetizer to consider are indian pakoras. I reviewed this yummy appetizer earlier in the year.  These are delicious and just 100 calories per serving.

Main Dishes
For main dishes, you can transform nearly any traditional recipe into a vegetarian delight.  For example, substitute the ground beef in cabbage rolls with veggies and you have a delicious and nutritious main course that guests will rave about.  Moussaka, which traditionally calls for beef or lamb can easily be made vegetarian by substituting in Portobello mushrooms for the meat.

Sides
A traditional holiday meal is filled with veggies.  My favorites for the holidays are mashed potatoes, smashed sweet potatoes, and carrots and broccoli.  You can serve up nearly any veggie with a twist for the holiday table.  I also love cranberry sauce during the holidays.  And don’t forget my low-cal stuffing recipe – I shared that in an earlier post and many of you have tried it and loved it! 

Desserts
I love dessert, as you know, and thankfully there are a few low-cal holiday desserts that we can enjoy without worrying about our waistlines expanding exponentially.  This year I’m serving my special fat free ricotta pumpkin treat.  Or, you can delight in eating your favorite low calorie ice cream with frozen banana topping while others fill up on pie.

Enjoy!
Juliet

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