5 Healthy Holiday Food Swaps That Keep All the Festive Fun (Without the Slump)
The holidays are filled with nostalgic foods, sparkling lights, and cozy gatherings… but some of our festive favourites are shockingly heavy on sugar, saturated fat, and sneaky calories. This year, I’m sharing healthy holiday food swaps that let you keep all the flavour, all the fun, and all the tradition without the post-holiday crash.
These swaps are the same ones I shared on my Breakfast Television segment, where the hosts guess which option is healthier before I reveal the (often surprising!) answer. And trust me, it’s not always what people think. Watch the full segment that aired on December 22, 2025. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the segment.
Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish, or just want to enjoy the season while feeling your best, these healthy holiday food swaps are easy, satisfying, and totally delicious.
Healthy Holiday Food Swap #1: Classic Eggnog vs. Apple Cider
Winner: Apple Cider
Eggnog is one of those once-a-year treats, but it’s extremely rich. It is traditionally made with heavy cream, egg yolks, and lots of added sugar. One small cup can leave you feeling full, bloated, and sluggish.
A warm spiced apple cider feels just as cozy but is far lighter and easier on digestion. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a festive drink that doesn’t weigh you down.
This is one of the easiest and most impactful healthy holiday food swaps you can make.
Try my Apple Cider Cocktail/Mocktail Recipe.
Healthy Holiday Food Swap #2: Cheese & Crackers vs. Veggie Board with Hummus
Winner: Veggie Board with Hummus
A holiday cheese board is fun, but it’s also a sneaky source of sodium and saturated fat.
A veggie board shaped like a Christmas tree still feels beautiful, abundant, and festive. It also gives you fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Hummus adds creaminess and protein without the crash you might get from starting your holiday grazing with cheese and refined crackers.
It’s a festive upgrade your body will thank you for. Make this extra festive with my Green Hummus Recipe.
Healthy Holiday Food Swap #3: Mashed Potatoes vs. Mashed Cauliflower
Winner: Mashed Cauliflower
Traditional mashed potatoes often include cream, butter, and sometimes even sour cream. While delicious, they can make a holiday meal feel heavy.
Mashed cauliflower gives you that same cozy, creamy comfort with fewer calories, more fibre, and extra antioxidants. When seasoned well, it tastes incredibly satisfying. Here’s my go-to recipe:
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
Directions
Steam cauliflower and garlic for 8 to 10 minutes until soft. Transfer to a food processor with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of broth or almond milk if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs.
This is one of my all-time favourite healthy holiday food swaps because it feels like comfort food… but lighter.
Healthy Holiday Food Swap #4: Candy Cane Bark vs. Candy Cane Truffles
Winner: Homemade Candy Cane Bark
Most truffles are made with heavy cream and refined chocolate, making them very rich and very sweet. My homemade Candy Cane Bark is made with cacao, coconut oil, and maple syrup, giving you fewer refined sugars and more whole-food fats that actually help keep you satisfied.
It’s festive, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing without the sugar overload.
Find the recipe inside my Healthy Christmas Desserts cookbook!
Healthy Holiday Food Swap #5: Shortbread Cookies vs. Oatmeal Eggnog Cookies
Winner: Oatmeal Eggnog Cookies
Shortbread is a holiday classic, but it’s essentially flour, butter, and sugar. I love it so much, and I tried to make a healthier version, but it just didn’t work.
My Oatmeal Eggnog Cookies use oat flour for added fibre and coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic sweetness. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give them that nostalgic eggnog flavour with a more balanced profile.
They taste indulgent but won’t send your blood sugar skyrocketing.
Find the recipe inside my Healthy Christmas Desserts cookbook!
Want More Healthy Holiday Food Swaps? Get My Free Healthy Christmas Desserts Cookbook
If you want more festive treats you can feel good about, I have a special holiday gift for you.
Download my free Healthy Christmas Desserts Cookbook, packed with delicious, better-for-you versions of the classics you love. Including all the recipes mentioned here and so many more. You’ll also get access to my on-demand holiday cooking classes, where you can bake along with me anytime.