Weight Loss Recipes

The celebration season brings us so many treats that staying on track with a healthy eating plan can be challenging. Among the hardest temptations to resist are the cool cocktails and hot drinks that make our spirits bright, but often are loaded with excess calories and sugar.

Now here’s a little gift you can give yourself. These 17 fun and flavorful beverages let you enjoy the tastes of the season and still shed excess pounds. They include traditional favorites made with healthy ingredients and fresh new options that you and your guests are sure to love. While they’re perfect for parties and other special events, you can enjoy them whenever you want to make your day a little more festive.

Try these healthy holiday drink recipes this season!:

1. Earl Grey Tea Latte

You don’t have to like coffee to enjoy the frothy fun of a latte. You can start instead with a base of Earl Grey tea, the variety that has a light, citrusy taste to go with its full-flavored black tea leaves. Mixing in oat milk, honey and vanilla extract enhances the taste and thickens the consistency of this Early Grey Latte recipe. The foam topping turns your everyday cup of tea into a specialty drink that’s full of flavor yet low in calories.

2. Dairy Free Almond Milk Eggnog

We’ve made the classic holiday drink better for everyone. Whether you’re losing weight, avoiding dairy products, or just want eggnog that is perfectly sweet and creamy, this Dairy Free Almond Milk Eggnog recipe makes it easy for you to indulge. The eggs and almond milk provide protein to fuel you up, while honey, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg bring that authentic flavor. Make it a day before you want to serve it and it will have the just the right consistency.

3. Sparkling Pomegranate Holiday Punch

Any gathering becomes extra-special when you serve fizzy Sparkling Pomegranate Holiday Punch recipe. It features pomegranate, the bright-red fruit that’s packed with nutrients. All you do is fill the punch bowl with the simple ingredients and serve. Watch as guests enjoy sipping a party drink that’s alcohol-free yet full of flavor.

4. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

We’re often told to be wary of anything that’s too good to be true, yet we’re here to say you can warm yourself with extra-rich hot chocolate while you’re watching your calories. This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate recipe starts with high-protein skim milk that gets creamier when you add the fat-free whipped topping. Blend in real white chocolate and peppermint extract for a perfect holiday combination that seems indulgent but is balanced just right for you.

5. Grapefruit Mock-Mosa

When brunch is part of your celebration, make it even more festive by serving refreshing, citrusy holiday drinks that are easy to whip up. This Grapefruit Mock-Mosa mocktail recipe features the tart and tangy flavors of grapefruit, orange and lime juice sweetened with real honey. Pour in a splash of sparkling water to make it delightfully bubbly without adding extra calories. You can prepare this ahead of time so it’s ready to go when guests arrive.

6. Warm Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider

Warm Mulled Cran-Apple Cider is a bit like sipping on a fresh apple pie but without all the calories and sugar. We like to give this holiday drink a boost of flavor and a dash of color by blending cranberry juice in with the apple juice. Orange slices sweeten the mix and cinnamon sticks bring the zing. As the cider warms on your stove, your home fills with the pleasing aromas of the season.

7. Cran-Raz Spritzer Mocktail

If you like to sip an elegant cocktail as you mingle but don’t want to be weighed down by the extra calories you get with alcohol, whip up a pitcher of this simple Cran-Raz Spritzer Mocktail. Start with cranberry cocktail juice and add lime juice and seltzer water to make a blend that has a lovely pink color with a taste that is tart and lightly sweet. Frozen raspberries keep it cool and serve as a sweet little garnish.

8. Healthy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

You don’t have to wait for a snowy day to whip up a batch of hot chocolate that you and your family will love. This Healthy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate recipe is made with non-fat milk and fat-free whipped topping, so it’s low in calories but still has the creaminess you want. Cocoa powder gives it real chocolate flavor while sugar-free caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt finish it with a flourish.

9. Booze-Free Appletini

Mocktails let you join in the party fun and stay on track to your weight loss goal. Real apples give this cool Booze-Free Appletini recipe a rich flavor and color. A few squirts of lemon juice keep it tasting fresh and a garnish of apple slice ties it all together. Be sure to make extra for anyone else who wants to skip the alcohol.

10. Skinny Bloody Mary Mocktail

If you prefer your mocktails savory rather than sweet, try our version of the classic Bloody Mary. The low-sodium vegetable or tomato juice base is sparked with the zesty flavors of Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and hot sauce. Make it as spicy or mild as you like it. You know what’s even better? Drinking this Skinny Bloody Mary Mocktail recipe also gives you one of your daily servings of non-starchy vegetables.

11. Sweet Cinnamon Latte

Lattes pair the pleasantly bitter flavor of coffee with the creamy contrast of warm milk and foam. Making holiday drinks and lattes looks complicated at coffee shops, but this Sweet Cinnamon Latte recipe shows how simple it is to prepare in your own kitchen, with no special equipment needed. To keep the calories down, use fat-free milk and Truvia. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and you’re ready to sip.

12. Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake

You can enjoy the tastes of the season and fuel up on protein at the same time. Start with Nutrisystem Chocolate Protein Shake Mix. If you love the taste of mocha, add coffee instead of water to the mix. Turn up the flavor with cocoa powder and peppermint extract. To make this Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake recipe even more festive, finish with low-fat whipped topping and a garnish of crushed candy canes.

13. Hot Toddy Mocktail

Your whole body will feel cozy when you sip this flavorful holiday drink. It’s made with your favorite hot tea and gets a lift with warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, along with a bit of sweet honey and tart lemon juice. Without the standard whiskey, this Hot Toddy Mocktail recipe is so low in calories you can have it any day you want to take the chill off.

14. Pomegranate Ginger Kombucha

The fermented tea known as kombucha is popular because contains probiotics. It also can be the foundation for delicious holiday drinks. You can find lots of kombucha varieties in stores these days. We use zero sugar ginger lemonade kombucha to make this refreshing Pomegranate Ginger Kombucha. We flavor it with pomegranate juice for a lightly tart and sweet taste. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves and it will be as beautiful as it is healthful.

15. Healthy Almond Joy Hot Chocolate

Chocolate and coconut are the complementary tastes in a classic candy bar. They come together is this variation on the traditional hot drink. It starts with vanilla-flavored coconut milk, found in the dairy cases of most supermarkets these days. Toasted coconut and coconut-based whipped topping pile on the flavor. Cocoa powder and a few drops of potent almond extract complete the combination. This Healthy Almond Joy Hot Chocolate recipe is so good, it will chase away your cravings for a candy bar.

16. Vanilla Eggnog Protein Shake

Turn the classic holiday drink into a high-protein snack that will keep you on track with your weight loss even during the indulgence season. All you need to do is blend Nutrisystem Vanilla Protein Shake Mix with light or low-fat eggnog and your choice of unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk. Choose from oat, almond, cashew or soy milk. Spice it up with cinnamon and nutmeg and add flavorful but alcohol-free rum extract. This Vanilla Eggnog Protein Shake recipe tastes so authentic, it might become one of the favorite holiday drinks among your family and guests.

17. Skinny Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew

The specialty holiday drinks that coffee shops feature around the holiday season seem appealing, until you find out that they contain tons of calories and sugar. With this version, you get the same satisfying blend of mint, chocolate and coffee flavors you love. However, it’s made with healthy ingredients such almond milk, cocoa powder and peppermint extract. Bonus: making this Skinny Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew recipe yourself instead of driving to the coffee shop saves you money and time.

The post 17 Healthy and Festive Holiday Drinks appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/holiday-drinks/

The holidays are upon us, which means loved ones are probably starting to ask what’s on your gift wish list. Whether you’re a full-on foodie or you’d just like some help in the kitchen, consider asking for one of these 11 healthy holiday gift ideas. They’re perfect for putting together your Nutrisystem flex meals! Shopping for friends and family? These creative ideas are ideal for all of the home cooks in your life.

Here are 11 healthy gift ideas that are perfect for your healthy holiday wish list or any foodie in your life!:

1. Measuring Cups

If you don’t own a good set of measuring cups, you should add them to your healthy holiday wish list this year—especially since incorrectly estimating portion sizes is a quick way to sabotage your slim-down. Already own a set? Consider adding a second set to your list. That way you can leave them in your desk drawer at work and beat portion distortion wherever you are. Just make sure you ask for dishwasher-safe options so cleaning them is a breeze.

2. iPad Fridge Mount

No more dripping ingredients on your iPad while cooking. Play music, watch a movie or read through a recipe while you cook with this handy device that lets you mount your iPad directly on your fridge. Tools like this will help make your kitchen a pleasant place to spend time—so you’ll want to keep up on your healthy cooking habits.

3. Dehydrator

Although you can create dried fruits and veggies in your oven, it can tie it up for several hours and you will have to keep checking on your treats. Dehydrators are great ways to have some fun with your fruits and veggies. From dried strawberries, apples and pineapples, to healthy fruit roll ups and sun-dried tomatoes, you can create all kinds of snacks and add-ons. And the best part is, you can just load it up and let it go, just like you would a crock-pot. No babysitting needed.

4. Herb Garden Starter Kit

There’s nothing better than having fresh herbs on hand—especially in the colder months. With an indoor herb garden, you’ll be able to help yourself to all your favorites whenever you’d like to spice things up.

5. Popcorn Maker

Skip the microwave in favor of a good old-fashioned popcorn maker. The little ones in your life will love watching the kernels pop, plus you’ll be able to top your treat with healthier extras you choose (think cinnamon, sugar-free chocolate syrup, hot sauce or black pepper).

6. A Good Blender

There’s no better way to squeeze fruits and veggies into your day than to pile produce into smoothies. Look for options powerful enough to crush ice and harder fruits like apples.

7. Julienne Peeler or Spiralizer

If you love pasta, than this one is a no-brainer. Both of these tools help you make delicious noodles out of your favorite veggies like zucchini, sweet potato, carrots and more. Some spiralizers even come with additional blades so you can create a variety of “noodles.”

8. A Self-Timing Slow Cooker

Whether you’re extremely busy or just feeling a little lazy, this convenient kitchen tool makes meal prep a breeze. Just toss a bunch of veggies and some chicken or veggie stock in the slow cooker in the morning along with some seasonings, and let it cook all day while you’re at work or running around. You’ll love the way your house smells when you return. The best part? You’ll have leftovers for days!

9. A High-Quality Knife Set

Although perhaps a bit expensive, a good set of knives will last you a very long time, and will help you stay healthy, slicing, dicing and mincing your own foods. Tip: Before you buy a knife, always hold it in your hand—it should feel natural.

10. Cutting Boards

To prevent cross-contamination, you should have one cutting board for raw protein and one for produce and cooked foods. Request two different colors for yours so that you can distinguish between them. You can choose extremely affordable plastic cutting boards made of polyethylene plastic. Polyethylene plastic is non-porous, meaning potential bacteria can’t penetrate the surface. Just be sure your boards are dishwasher safe.

11. A Salad Spinner

To stay healthy and lose weight, you’ll want to add in all kinds of greens to your menu. The salad spinner makes cleaning greens like lettuce easy and quick. After washing lettuce from the garden, farmers market or grocery store, just place it in the salad spinner to quickly and efficiently dry the lettuce and serve up a fresh salad for lunch or dinner. This is a one of our favorite holiday gift ideas that most people don’t have in their kitchen!

Stay on track this holiday season with a little help from Nutrisystem. Get started with a weight loss plan today!

The post 11 Healthy Gift Ideas for Your Holiday Wish List appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/top-11-gifts-for-your-wishlist-the-foodie-edition/

Is your fridge filled with Thanksgiving leftovers? Give them new life with these seven simple, smart and satisfying recipes! From a savory soup to the perfect panini, these delicious ideas are the perfect way to use up the rest of your holiday feast. Plus, these Thanksgiving leftover recipes fit perfectly into your Nutrisystem weight loss plan!

Here are seven healthy and creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes:

1. Thanksgiving Leftover Soup >

Thanksgiving leftover soup is the perfect way to use up the rest of that holiday feast! This delicious soup recipe can be prepared on the stove top or in your Instant Pot. It features the Thanksgiving basics: Leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, carrots and chicken broth. We also add in some onions, fresh herbs and spices for extra festive flavor.

2. Cranberry Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato >

If you have any extra baked sweet potatoes in your fridge, you have to try this Thanksgiving leftover recipe! They are the perfect vessel to stuff with your favorite holiday ingredients. This Cranberry Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato contains two of our favorites: Leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. We also add in some steamed spinach to help you get in your greens, as well as goat cheese for extra creaminess. Yum!

3. Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups >

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner for breakfast! These little breakfast cups feature leftover turkey and any type of potatoes that you have on hand. Whether your family enjoys mashed white potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes (or both!), you can use up any extras in this easy dish that features eggs, nonfat milk and pepper. They are the perfect grab-and-go meal!

4. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole >

Thanksgiving leftover casserole recipes are also a popular way to finish up your holiday feast. We know everyone has their own family favorites, so we made our healthy version extremely versatile. Of course, it features turkey but you can also choose between leftover roasted potatoes or cubed winter squash. Feel free to also throw in any leftover green veggies that you have, such as spinach, green beans or zucchini. Fresh cranberries add a tart sweetness, while dried thyme and rosemary provide the classic Thanksgiving flavors we all know and love.

5. 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Stuffing Breakfast Cakes >

You only need three ingredients to make these tasty breakfast cakes! If your family hasn’t finished up your Thanksgiving stuffing, you can use it to make breakfast the next morning. Simply combine it with an egg and some shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a pan on your stovetop until golden brown. Top each little stuffing cake with a cooked egg before serving.

6. Thanksgiving Leftover Panini >

What’s better (and easier) then turning your leftovers into a sandwich! Our hot and hearty Thanksgiving Leftover Panini is so good, we wish we could enjoy it all year round. Grab a whole wheat sandwich thin and top it with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese and some lettuce. Throw it onto a grill or panini press until the cheese is melted and you’ve got Thanksgiving dinner reimagined. It’s that easy! 

7. Turkey Cranberry Salad >

Finish up those leftovers with a light and healthy salad! Turkey and cranberries come together with nonfat plain Greek yogurt to make this creamy, dreamy salad. You can use your choice of dried cranberries or cranberry sauce. Season with pepper, grab a fork and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner number two!

The post Got Leftovers? 7 Recipes to Use Up Your Thanksgiving Feast appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes/

You don’t have to forgo your traditional Thanksgiving champagne cocktail, eggnog, holiday party punch or warm mulled wine before a roaring fire just because you’re dieting.

While the empty calories in alcohol can be problematic when you’re trying to lose weight, it’s actually easy to fit the occasional drink into a healthy lifestyle plan. You just need to be smart about it.

Choosing Cocktails Low in Calories and Sugar

When selecting your Thanksgiving cocktails, choose the options with the fewest calories and the least amount of sugar. A glass of dry white or red wine, such as Chardonnay or Shiraz, fit the bill, as does light beer. A serving of many hard apple ciders, though they’re fairly high in sugar thanks to their fruit base, are under 150 calories and can be made even lighter when turned into a spritzer with some calorie-free seltzer (a Nutrisystem Free Food). Among the hard liquors, gin, rum, tequila, Scotch, Bourbon and vodka are all only about 100 calories per 1.5 ounce serving. Just skip the flavored varieties with their added sugar and calories.

Drinking Alcohol on Nutrisystem

Before you indulge, familiarize yourself with Nutrisystem’s take on alcohol. If you just started the plan, wait a week or two before you add alcohol. After that, make two servings of alcoholic beverages a week your max, preferably not all on the same day. Replenish the fluids you lose when drinking by pairing your alcoholic beverages with water.

On Nutrisystem, one serving of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, four ounces or a half-cup of wine and one shot or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

Consider Cocktail Add-Ins, Too!

Add-ins count. So, if you use fruit or 100% fruit juice to mix your Thanksgiving cocktails, this will count towards your daily SmartCarbs. Free Foods include fresh herbs, lemon and lime juice, zero-calorie sweeteners, club soda, seltzer water and sparkling water. Dairy products and protein powder are considered PowerFuels. Check the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide to learn how to count a specific ingredient on your plan.

Here are eight ways to say “Cheers!” this winter.

Best Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes To Try

1. Hard Cider

Cider says autumn and this increasingly popular alcoholic version is made with fermented fruit (usually apples) which ups its sugar content, but it’s generally lower in alcohol than beer. It doesn’t have to be a calorie bomb though. Crispin Pearsecco contains just 140 calories in each 12-ounce serving, while Angry Orchard Stone Dry clocks in at 150 calories. You can lower those calories by cutting it with seltzer and enjoying half. Better yet, turn to a hard cider seltzer like City Roots Cider Spritz, a brand of “seltzer-like cider” that clocks in at 97 calories with only one gram of sugar. Some astute label reading will make this drink an option while you’re losing weight.

2. Eggnog

If it’s not the holidays without eggnog (with its heavy cream, milk and eggs, a total diet-buster), you can keep it on the menu if you follow our slimmed down recipe, which counts as one PowerFuel and two Extras per serving.

Simply mix two cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk with two eggs, one tablespoon of honey, four to five drops of liquid stevia sweetener, the contents of one vanilla bean, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg in a blender. Blend for 60 to 90 seconds until frothy, then pour the eggnog mixture into a small pot and turn your heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to stir the mixture frequently. The mixture should be warm and steaming, but not bubbling (otherwise the eggs will scramble!).

Once you remove the pan from the heat, allow your eggnog to cool slightly, then pour into a pitcher or jar. Chill it overnight in the fridge to allow it to thicken. If the mixture has separated, blend it again for 30 to 60 seconds.

3. Thanksgiving Morning Mimosas

Champagne is a dieter’s dream. A four-ounce glass of a dry variety (look for the word “brut” on the label) is only 85 calories, according to Medline Plus. Dry wines have less sugar. Feel free to splash some orange juice (which also comes in a “light” version with less sugar) into your glass for a Thanksgiving morning Mimosa, or add a few berries for a festive touch.

4. Hot Toddy

This is the drink you turn to après ski—or après family post-dinner hike—to help you warm up. Some people swear by this comforting beverage as a symptom-easer when they have the sniffles. We just think it tastes good.

To make a healthier Hot Toddy, tart with seven ounces of hot black tea, to which you add one Tablespoon of sugar-free honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one teaspoon of ground cloves and one teaspoon of ground nutmeg. You can stop there and count this as one Extra, or you can add a short or splash of whiskey for an extra kick. Count this as one of the two alcoholic beverages you’re allowed each week.

5. Skinny Bloody Mary

What’s a holiday brunch without a Bloody Mary? It’s practically a veggie smoothie. This cocktail is easy to lighten up since it’s pretty light already.

You can make four delicious cocktails starting with two cups of no-salt added tomato juice or low-sodium vegetable juice, to which you add two Tablespoons of lime or lemon juice, one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, half a teaspoon of prepared horseradish and a few drops (to taste) of bottled hot pepper sauce. Pour the mixture over ice in glasses and garnish with celery sticks.

If you stop there, this recipe makes four Bloody Marys at 24 calories each, which count as one Vegetable on Nutrisystem. You can add a few shots of vodka to taste (remember, one shot equals one serving of your maximum two servings of alcohol a week).

6. Mulled Wine

Like a hot toddy, this heavily spiced hot drink is oh-so-comforting on a cold, blustery day. And it’s easy to make for a crowd!

To make mulled wine for Thanksgiving, start with a bottle of dry red wine, such as pinot noir, merlot or a Spanish red. One bottle is about 25 ounces so this recipe makes six servings of four ounces each. Pour it into a pot, then add your flavor boosters. This mulled wine recipe from Gimme Some Oven uses a whole sliced orange, two cinnamon sticks, two star anise and eight whole cloves. We recommend using six to eight drops of liquid stevia instead of the sugar or honey (adjust to taste after you finish heating the mixture). If you like the flavors, add some ginger or cardamom. Simmer on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Don’t boil it or all the alcohol will evaporate!

7. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

No need to avoid the punch bowl at your holiday party if you’re serving this lightened-up version of a tart-sweet pomegranate punch. Simply mix 2.5 cups of seltzer and two cups of pomegranate juice together. At this point, this “mocktail” is 67 calories and counts as one SmartCarb per serving (the recipe makes four servings). Add champagne or another sparkling wine such as prosecco (four ounces are only 85 calories) for four and garnish with lemon twists.

8. Light Moscow Mule

This 80-year-old cocktail is enjoying a new surge of popularity (as are the copper mugs it’s usually served in). Remarkably easy to make with just 98 calories worth of vodka (1.5 ounces), a Mule is simple to slim down by using a reduced sugar version of ginger beer such as Q Light Ginger Beer (only 40 calories in 7.5 ounces). You only need five ounces of the ginger beer and the juice of one lime squeezed in and some lime slices for garnish. This recipe makes one serving.

Looking to get healthy and lose weight this holiday season? Get started with Nutrisystem today! >

The post 8 Healthy Cocktails for Your Thanksgiving Menu appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/thanksgiving-cocktails-healthy-recipes/

When it comes time to gather around the table for the Thanksgiving feast, what are you most excited about? Is it the turkey, the scrumptious sides or perhaps the delicious desserts that come after the meal?

If it’s Thanksgiving desserts that you crave, then you might be wondering how you can indulge on Nutrisystem without going completely off track from your healthy weight loss goals.

It’s no secret that we’ve made it our mission to transform your favorite meals, snacks and desserts into perfectly-portioned, healthier versions that you love. Thanksgiving is no exception! We’ve rounded up a list of 20 Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are much healthier than your traditional pies, rolls and cakes. Read on to choose the best dessert recipes for your Thanksgiving spread.

1. Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll >

Pumpkin roll is a Thanksgiving classic—perhaps just a step below pumpkin pie in fame. But this version is made lighter and healthier by using ingredients like coconut sugar, low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat pastry flour. Thanks to these healthy swaps, a slice of this delicious roll is just 101 calories—but will still satisfy your sweet tooth. Get the full recipe! >

2. Easy Apple Pie Bars >

Besides pumpkins, apples are another fall staple that makes for a delicious dessert base. This recipe has the flavors of apple pie infused with a blondie bar and will give that baked good indulgence you’ve been looking for. Made using both applesauce and sliced apples, it’s got all the apple goodness that you love. Plus, you can enjoy an entire bar for just 153 calories. Get the full recipe! >

3. Pumpkin Banana Bread >

For banana bread and pumpkin lovers, we’ve found your perfect fall treat. This fall-inspired version of classic banana bread features pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to make it the perfect fit for your Thanksgiving spread. It’s also a great breakfast to start the holiday on the right track! A serving of our Pumpkin Banana Bread is 143 calories. Get the full recipe! >

4. Instant Pot Maple Walnut Cheesecake >

The Instant Pot is a saving grace for the busy chef—and you can even use it for dessert! It works especially great for moist desserts like this Maple Walnut Cheesecake. The crust is made from healthful ingredients like walnuts and medjool dates. The filling comes from classic ingredients like Neufchatel cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup and maple extract. Brimming with maple flavor, it has all the fall feels and is 232 calories per slice. Get the full recipe! >

5. Healthy Apple Pie >

Pies are often a fixture on the Thanksgiving dessert table—and they’re often loaded with sugar! But this Thanksgiving dessert recipe is proof that you don’t need added sugar to make a delicious treat. Our Healthy Apple Pie lets the natural sweetness of the apples shine. As a result, it has a mere 147 calories per slice. Plus, it’s a bonus that this recipe is easy to make. It uses just eight simple ingredients. Get the full recipe! >

6. Homemade Carrot Cake >

While carrot cake might sound like more of a springtime dessert, the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and maple—including dreamy maple-flavored icing—makes this recipe right at home on the Thanksgiving table. Plus, carrots are a seasonal fall root veggie, so there’s no better time to enjoy them then now! While cakes like this one are usually loaded with sugar, ours finds sweetness from other ingredients like maple syrup and applesauce. You can help yourself to a 147-calorie slice with no guilt. Get the full recipe! >

7. Air Fryer Cranberry Pecan Pie >

Another handy appliance for the busy chef, your air fryer can also help you whip up some healthy and delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipes. This one starts with a five-ingredient homemade crust which is filled with a delicious cranberry and pecan filling. It’s then “baked” in the wonder-of-appliances: the air fryer! One slice is just 141 calories of yumminess. Get the full recipe! >

8. Crustless Pumpkin Pie >

Here’s an easy way to make pumpkin pie healthier while still being able to enjoy your favorite part—remove the crust! This recipe makes some healthy substitutions in the filling (such as swapping sugar for stevia and using nonfat milk instead of heavy cream)—and then ditches the crust entirely. You’ll be able to feel like you’re indulging when you’ve really made a healthy choice. Get the full recipe! >

9. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites >

These mini cheesecake bites are an adorable display for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Made using a mini muffin tin, they come together with easy ingredients like gingersnap cookies, low-fat cream cheese and canned pumpkin. Pop a bite for a mere 64 calories and satisfy your sweet tooth for all the pumpkin goodies. Get the full recipe! >

10. 3-Step Pumpkin Mousse >

Here’s a fun way to get your pumpkin fix—pumpkin mousse! Grab a blender and simply combine ingredients like cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and sugar. The result is a dreamy, whipped dessert that tastes heavenly but packs only 203 calories. You can also feel good about the fact that cottage cheese is high in many nutrients. Get the full recipe! >

11. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies >

Nothing beats both easy and delicious—and this recipe is both. With the flavors of cinnamon, pecans and brown sugar, it’s sure to become one of your favorite fall cookies. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making for a wholesome treat that is just 114 calories. Get the full recipe! >

12. Maple Chocolate Pecan Pies >

Pecan pie is another Thanksgiving favorite—and this recipe takes it up a notch by also adding the flavors of maple and chocolate. While it’s lightened up from a traditional pecan pie, we swear you won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s just 90 calories per serving but still wholly delicious. Get the full recipe! >

13. Instant Pot Apple Cake >

Grab the Instant Pot to whip together this easy-to-make cake that features ripe and juicy Granny Smith apples as the star ingredient. Combined with favorite fall spices like ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, it’s a warm and cozy cake that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed—or spiking with sugar. A slice is just 128 calories. Get the full recipe! >

14. Pumpkin Spice Cookies >

Maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin puree come together in this diet-friendly cookie that boasts just 76 calories per serving. You’ll get your pumpkin fix and only use two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan. Get the full recipe! >

15. Maple Walnut Cookies >

This protein-packed cookie has the flavors of maple syrup, walnuts and cinnamon for a rich cookie that won’t wreck your weight loss goals. One cookie is 122 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan. Consider putting together a whole cookie spread for a fun Thanksgiving dessert table. Get the full recipe! >

16. Pear Ginger Squares >

The combination of pear and ginger is great pairing and truly makes this a Thanksgiving dessert standout. These dessert bars use healthful ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce and, of course, pears and ginger. This is one that will definitely have your dinner guests impressed. Each bar is a mere 112 calories. Get the full recipe! >

17. Pumpkin Icebox Cake >

Icebox cakes remain a dessert favorite of the busy chef because they don’t take up precious oven space. You know how coveted the oven is during Thanksgiving prep! This cake can be prepared a day ahead of time, so that dessert is simply ready-to-go. A delightful slice of this dreamy, whipped cake is just 127 calories. Get the full recipe! >

18. Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pies >

Here’s another mini dessert option that’s fun to make, display and eat! Using a mini muffin pan, these little pies have a crust made from rolled oats and medjool dates that is topped with both a cream cheese and a pumpkin filling. The result is an adorable—and delicious—treat. Get the full recipe! >

19. Easy Air Fryer Baked Apple >

Baked apples are perfect for those warm and cozy fall nights. As a bonus, you’ll love the aromas which fill your home as this dish cooks in the air fryer. It uses whole ingredients like apples, walnuts and raisins, plus seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg. This filling and delicious dessert clocks in at just 139 calories per serving. Get the full recipe! >

20. Gluten Free Cranberry Scones >

If you have gluten-free diners coming to your Thanksgiving table, you may not be sure what to feed them. This recipe simplifies the process with some easy-to-make but oh-so-delicious scones. One scone is around 102 calories and makes the perfect treat to enjoy after a filling Thanksgiving meal. Get the full recipe! >

The post 20 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to Try This Holiday appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/thanksgiving-dessert-recipes/