Happier, Healthier Holidays

The holidays are filled with temptations and opportunities to over-indulge, and if you’re managing your health and weight, the season can feel anything but merry.

Depriving yourself of your favorite holiday treats isn’t only unpleasant, it’s also unnecessary. Many experts recommend that instead, you focus on building a healthier lifestyle through a well-balanced, long-term eating plan. For example, Atkins offers a balanced approach with foods containing fiber-rich and nutrient-dense carbohydrates, as well as good fats and proteins, while focusing on reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars. When preparing your holiday menu, look for recipes that contain adequate protein, healthy fats and high-fiber carbohydrates, and you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of the season without guilt.

Learn more about the benefits of a balanced, low-carb approach to eating at Atkins.com.

Garlic Rosemary Pork Loin

Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less

1 pound boneless porkloin

Olive oil cooking spray

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, thinly sliced

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In small skillet over medium heat, cook pork loin, fatty-side down, 4-5 minutes to brown top and render some fat. Coat 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place pork loin in dish.

In small bowl, combine mustard, garlic, and rosemary; stir well. Spoon mixture over pork. Transfer to oven and bake 45 minutes to an hour, until loin is cooked through but still slightly pink in center.

When pork is cooked, let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve immediately.

Sweet Potato Pumpkin Puree

Recipe courtesy of Atkins.com

3 large egg whites

5 tablespoons sugar substitute

1/2 cup pecans

1-1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled

1/4 cup unsalted butter stick

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

15 ounces pumpkin (no salt, drained, cooked, boiled)