Nourishing the Holiday Spirit: A Mindful Approach to Holiday Delights

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it doesn’t mean we have to abandon our commitment to wholesome, healthy eating and living. Today, we’re going to unwrap the gift of mindful eating during the holidays. What if we could indulge in the joy of feasting while keeping our health goals in check? With just a little planning, it CAN be done. 

The Magic of Mindful Eating

The holiday season often brings an abundance of tempting treats, but approaching them with mindfulness can make a world of difference. (At the same time, let’s NOT go down the tunnel of perfectionism). Dive into the magic of mindful eating, where savoring each bite becomes a celebration in itself.  

Before we dive into the holiday whirlwind of festivities, let’s take a moment to unwrap the magic of mindful eating. In the midst of twinkling lights and joyous gatherings, practicing mindfulness can be your secret ingredient to truly savor the season without compromising your commitment to whole foods and a plant-based lifestyle.

The Art of Savoring:

Picture this: a warm, inviting plate adorned with vibrant colors and an array of textures. Mindful eating invites us to turn each bite into a celebration. Take your time to appreciate the flavors dancing on your taste buds, the aroma wafting through the air, and the joy of being present with loved ones. It’s not just a meal; it’s a sensory experience.

Tips for Mindful Eating:

• Slow Down: Amidst the hustle and bustle, consciously slow your pace. Put down the fork between bites and engage in conversation. This not only aids digestion but allows you to truly relish each morsel.
• Engage Your Senses: Close your eyes and savor the flavors. Notice the textures, the temperatures, and the subtle nuances of each ingredient. Engaging your senses heightens the pleasure of the dining experience.
• Recognize Fullness: Listen to your body’s cues. It takes time for your stomach to signal to your brain that it’s satisfied, up to 20 minutes or more. To avoid overindulging, tune into your body’s natural signals AND remember to stop BEFORE you are full. 

Whole Foods as a Canvas:

Now that we’ve set the stage with mindful eating, let’s talk about the starring role of whole foods in your holiday feast. Whole foods, in their unprocessed and natural state, not only offer a plethora of nutrients but also serve as a canvas for culinary creativity.

Celebrating Colorful Choices:

Whole foods come in a dazzling array of colors, each hue bringing its own set of health benefits. Embrace the rainbow on your plate by incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy carbos.

Making Whole Foods Festive, Tasty AND Balanced

You knew I was going to say this sooner or later. . .  a festive holiday meal doesn’t require a dead bird on your plate! But like many of my clients, you may be unfamilar with how to get enough protein without it. 

Check out this healthy and attractive option:

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries: A Festive Plant-Based Protein Delight

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Acorn Squash:

• 3 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoons olive oil

For the Maple Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the Acorn Squash:
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the halved acorn squashes on a baking sheet, cut side up.
  • Brush the inner flesh with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender.
• Cook the Wild Rice:
  • In a saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• Prepare the Filling:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened.
  • Add mushrooms and continue to cook until they release their moisture.
  • Stir in the cooked wild rice, black beans, cranberries, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Assemble and Bake:
  • Once the acorn squash halves are tender, stuff each half with the wild rice mixture.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Brush the glaze over the stuffed acorn squashes.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Carefully transfer the stuffed acorn squashes to a serving platter.
  • Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.
  • Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy this festive, plant-based protein main dish with all the flavors of the season.

This Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries not only makes for a visually stunning centerpiece on your holiday table but also provides a hearty and protein-packed option for your plant-based feast.

Note:

One of the reasons I choose to keep my main course light is because it allows me indulge more in desserts! 

Watch for a rich and chocolatey dessert recipe in my next blog.