Written by Corry Matthews, Fitness & Nutrition Expert, Mom, and Hormone Health Advocate

Recipes that taste amazing and are good for you make it easy to enjoy the holiday cheer of November and December. Even better, you can skip the extra five to ten pounds that often come with it. My approach to the season is all about balance, smart swaps, and savoring the flavors you love without overdoing it. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy every bite and still feel your best heading into the new year.

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Healthy Holiday Recipes Made Simple

These are my top three holiday favorites that prove healthy and festive can go hand in hand.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

A cozy, aromatic cup that delivers all the seasonal flavor without the heavy cream and sugar. This lighter version is rich, satisfying, and perfect for a crisp morning.

Ingredients:

6–8 oz Coffee or Espresso
½–¾ cup Unsweetened Nut Milk
Splash of Vanilla Extract
Stevia (to taste)
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
Optional: 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Purée (for added nutrition)

Equipment:

Coffee or Espresso Maker
Milk Frother

Instructions:

Brew your coffee or espresso.
Add stevia, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice to the nut milk.
Froth the milk and pour it over your coffee or espresso.

Note: This version cuts out 50g of sugar compared to a typical PSL and saves you about $4. For a nourishing boost, stir in pure pumpkin purée before frothing.

Holiday Sweet Potato Mash

Creamy, spiced, and naturally sweet, this side dish keeps the comfort but skips the excess butter and sugar. It’s a family favorite that everyone will want seconds of.

Ingredients:

3–4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 Tbsp Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 Tbsp Raw Chopped Pecans
2 tsp Monk Fruit Sweetener
2 tsp Olive Oil

Equipment:

Pot for boiling or steaming
8×8 or 9×9 Baking Dish

Instructions:

Boil sweet potatoes for 35–40 minutes until tender (or steam them to enhance sweetness).
While potatoes cook, sauté pecans in olive oil with monk fruit until coated.
Mash cooked potatoes with almond milk and vanilla.
Spread in a baking dish, top with the nut mixture, and serve warm.

Nutty Green Beans

A fresh, vibrant take on a classic. By swapping the canned soup and fried onions for simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish shines with flavor and color while keeping things light.

Ingredients:

2 cups Fresh Green Beans
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
¼ cup Slivered Almonds
¼ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Pepper

Optional Add-ins:

1 tsp Ground Garlic or 1 Tbsp Fresh Garlic
2 Tbsp Chopped Bacon
Substitute sunflower seeds for nut-free version

Equipment:

Steamer

Instructions:

Wash and steam the green beans.
While beans steam, toast the slivered almonds.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Drain beans, toss them with the oil mixture and almonds. Serve warm.

Note: A healthy, dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free version of the classic green bean casserole. Crowd favorite. No leftovers guaranteed!

These recipes are perfect examples of my food philosophy: good food that makes you feel good too. No one will notice the healthy swaps, and you’ll enjoy every dish knowing it’s doing your body a favor.

I’m so excited to share even more of my favorite recipes with the world through my first cookbook, Strength & Grace Kitchen: The Cookbook, a #1 New Release in Gluten-Free Diets now available on Amazon. Co-authored with Dr. Stacia Kelly, this collection features more than 150 gluten-free, low- to no-sugar, family-approved recipes designed to nourish hormone health, boost energy, and simplify everyday living. More than just a cookbook, Strength & Grace Kitchen is a lifestyle guide inspired by my own journey through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, perimenopause, and menopause, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and sustainable for the whole family.