The holidays only come around once a year, and when those familiar tastes and smells are all around you, it’s hard not to give in! Sure, indulging in these delicious foods is fine now and then, but it’s just a little too easy to overdo it when you know they only come around once a year.

The best way to prevent overdoing it this way, is by preparing in advance by making healthier, smarter alternatives to all of those familiar treats. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Eggnog

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup granular Splenda or Stevia
2 eggs
1 capful vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup skim milk, chilled
1 cup fat-free half & half
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided.

Directions

Mix the almond milk, cornstarch, and sweetener in small saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly for a minute. Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Mix half the milk mixture into eggs; then add this egg mixture to remaining milk in saucepan. Cook over low heat until it begins to thicken, about two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Once chilled, stir the skim milk and the half & half into custard mixture. Sprinkle lightly with remaining nutmeg when serving.

Festive Coleslaw

Dressing

1/4 cup granular Splenda or stevia
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup low fat mayo
1/4 cup lime juice

Salad

1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions

For dressing, combine sugar, dry mustard, celery seed, and salt in a small mixing bowl and mix well. Whisk in mayonnaise and lime juice until well blended and sugar is dissolved.

Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over coleslaw mixture; mix until well combined. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Baked Pears: Better than Pie!

Ingredients

3 pears, peeled, cored, and quartered
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup granular Splenda or stevia
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Place quartered pears in a baking dish. Drizzle juice over pears. Sprinkle cranberries and nuts over the top. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with juices and fat-free whipped topping.

Enjoy these recipes, ladies… and share your own tips, below!