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Breakfast: Protein Pancake Snowman
Start your day with a protein-packed punch by constructing a delightful pancake snowman. Using protein pancakes like Premier Protein from Costco, create three toasted pancakes as the body of your snowman. Mix a quarter cup of plain fat-free Greek yogurt with your favorite protein powder—Maple Cookie blends perfectly here. This mixture serves as your “snow” topping.
- Three protein pancakes
- 1/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt mixed with protein powder
- Five strawberries, sliced
- Half a medium banana, sliced
- Mini marshmallow and milk chocolate chips for decoration
- A hint of sugar-free icing sugar and low-calorie syrup
Play around with your food to make it fun and engaging:
- Use strawberries to form a hat, and a piece for the nose.
- Arrange sliced bananas as a scarf.
- Dot chocolate chips as buttons and eyes.
Not only is this breakfast visually appealing, but it’s also loaded with about 28 grams of protein and only 389 calories!
Lunch: Candy Cane Charcuterie and Grinch Kebabs
For lunch, elevate a typical charcuterie board with a candy cane twist. Use turkey pepperoni, cheese slices, and holiday-shaped crackers to create the visual effect of a candy cane. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season without overindulging.
- Two cheese slices
- Turkey pepperoni slices
- Holiday-themed crackers
- Circular cookie cutter
Simultaneously, craft Grinch kebabs for a light-hearted touch:
- Toothpick marshmallows, banana slices, strawberries, and grapes to form a festive snack.
This meal is surprisingly low in calories (around 288) and provides 11 grams of protein, proving you can have fun with your food while still eating healthily.
Dinner: Protein Christmas Tree Pizza
Transform your favorite meals into a festive affair by designing pizza dough into the shape of a Christmas tree. The dough, made from a mix of all-purpose flour and Greek yogurt, is a perfect base for a high-protein pizza.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and Greek yogurt
- Light mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings: olives, mushrooms, a low-calorie pasta sauce
- Season with Italian herbs
Shape the dough, add your sauce, and sprinkle with cheese and toppings to resemble a decorated tree. Bake until golden-brown and serve. Each pizza provides a wholesome 33 grams of protein and stays within a manageable 558 calories.
Dessert: Reindeer Brownies with Yogurt and Holiday M&Ms
For dessert, let your imagination run wild with reindeer-themed brownies. Use a fiber-rich brownie base, decorate with pretzels for antlers, and use marshmallows and chocolate chips for eyes.
- A fiber-rich brownie
- Tiny pretzel twists
- Milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows
- Holiday-themed M&Ms
Pair these delightful treats with vanilla yogurt and red and green M&Ms for an added protein boost while maintaining a festive vibe. This dessert is both satisfying and low in calories, with just 203 calories and 10 grams of protein.
Snacking: Elf on the Shelf Cereal
End your day with a nostalgic snack of holiday-themed cereal. The Elf on the Shelf cereal brings a touch of whimsy with vanilla flavor and marshmallows. Pair with Fairlife milk for added protein, which brings this snack to around 177 calories and 12 grams of protein.
The key to holiday eating without compromising on your health goals lies in creativity, portion control, and smart ingredient choices. By incorporating these fun and festive meals into your routine, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the delight of holiday flavors and the satisfaction of maintaining your wellness journey.
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