Baking and sharing cookies are popular holiday traditions because they come with that genuine homemade feeling. Plus, there are so many tempting cookie varieties that nearly everyone has a few favorites that they love. Now here’s good news for you: you can enjoy making and eating healthy holiday treats and stay on track to your weight loss goal! We’ve given over a dozen holiday cookie recipes a healthy makeover so you can join in the fun. They’re all so sweet and delicious that you’ll be proud to give them as gifts—and only you will know they are made with better-for-you ingredients. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, even if you have no baking experience.
1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies >
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 90
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras
Peanut butter, cocoa powder and coconut are the flavorful stars of these soft bites. You can whip up a batch in just 10 minutes, so you can eat them fresh whenever you have a craving for a treat.
2. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies >
Servings: 8 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 114
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
The nutty crunch of pecans and the naturally sweet taste of cinnamon come together in these simple-to-make crispy cookies. You’ll get a little burst of protein from the nuts and the metabolism-boosting power of cinnamon, while everyone else raves about the delightful flavor.
3. Iced Protein Peppermint Cookies >
Servings: 9 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 91
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel
With bananas, the handy vanilla Nutrisystem Protein Shake and a bit of peppermint extract, you can make soft, frosted cookies with that cool holiday taste. Add some festive sprinkles and let the party begin!
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4. Pumpkin Spice Cookies >
Servings: 12 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 76
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras
If you love the aroma of warm spices in your home and the seasonal tastes of pumpkin and maple syrup, make a batch of these simple but flavorful cookies. They’re very low in calories and high in satisfaction.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies >
Servings: 28 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 44.8
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras
The richness of chocolate and the cool sensation of mint give these cookies the perfect balance of sensational flavors. Even better, you’ll be amazed that they have less than 50 calories each.
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6. 4-Ingredient Easy Thumbprint Cookies >
Servings: 5 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 85
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb
Jelly-filled thumbprints are a staple of many family cookie traditions and you don’t have to pass on them when you’re trying to lose excess weight. These are made with four simple, healthy ingredients but don’t compromise on taste. Holiday cookie recipes don’t have to be complicated!
7. Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies >
Servings: 6 (1 serving = 2 cookies)
Calories per Serving: 78
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras
Oatmeal cookies are a classic treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea or non-fat milk. These come out of the oven warm and moist every time because they’re made with applesauce, yogurt and naturally sweet strawberries.
8. Gluten Free Sugar Cookies >
Servings: 24 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 59
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras
Avoiding gluten as well as excess fat and sugar doesn’t mean you can’t join in on holiday cookie recipes. Our recipe developers took the classic sugar cookie and made it low in calories and satisfyingly sweet, as well as gluten free.
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9. Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies >
Servings: 19 (1 serving = 2 cookies)
Calories per Serving: 104
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb
Each bite of these moist and chewy treats will light up your taste buds with the flavors of real chocolate and tart cherries. They’re so good, your family is sure to clamor for them all year long.
10. Gluten Free Chewy Ginger Cookies >
Servings: 16
Calories per Serving: 102
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras
Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg spice these cookies with the flavors of the season. Plus, they’re made with molasses, so they’re perfectly sweet but not loaded with excess sugar.
11. Cranberry Cookies Made with Sweet Potato >
Servings: 6 (1 serving = 2 cookies)
Calories per Serving: 163
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras
Mashed sweet potato makes these cookies lightly sweet and nicely tender, while real cranberries provide the tart contrast in every bite. It takes just five simple steps to bake a batch, so you don’t have to spend hours preparing them when you’re craving cookies that taste like the holidays.
12. Maple Walnut Cookies >
Servings: 12 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 122
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
If you love holiday cookie recipes that are both a bit salty and lightly sweet, these glazed cookies will hit the spot. They’re made with crunchy nuts, real maple syrup, the tang of apples and a hint of cinnamon, so you get a medley of seasonal flavors in each one.
13. Soft and Chewy Breakfast Cookies >
Servings: 9 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 132
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
Yes, you can have cookies for breakfast—or just about any time you need to fuel up—with these hearty treats. They’re made with real oats, so you get a bit of fiber, plus nut butter and pumpkin seeds for a quick shot of protein to power up your day.
14. Whole Grain Black and White Cookies >
Servings: 24 (1 serving = 3 cookies)
Calories per Serving: 87
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb
If you thought you’d never be able to enjoy these classic frosted treats and stay on track with your weight loss plan, we’ve got happy news for you. With this version, you can make a batch whenever you want and enjoy three of them in each serving.
15. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies >
Servings: 10 (1 serving = 1 cookie)
Calories per Serving: 149
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Peanut butter and chocolate chips give you two great tastes in one deliciously healthy cookie. Make them in the air fryer and you keep the mess to a minimum and the goodness to the maximum.
The post 15 Healthy and Easy Holiday Cookie Recipes appeared first on The Leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drink is good for burning belly fat over night?
Drinking lots of water is the best way to lose weight quickly. Drinking enough water helps burn calories and keeps you full longer, making you less likely to snack on foods high in sugar and carbs. Water flushes out toxins and keeps your skin healthy and young.
Most people skip meals when dieting. Skipping meals can slow down your metabolism and make you feel more hungry. You should eat small meals often, instead.
If you find yourself craving snacks, try drinking more water. You will feel less hungry and have a greater desire for sugary drinks. Drink water with a squeezed lemon to increase its detoxifying capabilities.
Water intake can help you lose weight by making you feel fuller and quicker. Research shows that people who drink eight glasses of water each day tend to weigh less than their counterparts who only drink four cups. Water can help you feel fuller without adding additional calories.
When you wake up in the morning, wait about 30 minutes before having anything to eat. Hormones like insulin begin to regulate blood sugar levels within 10-15 minutes of waking up. These hormone surges often put us in hunger mode. If we wait until after these hormone surges occur, we can avoid feeling a rush of sugar and then crash.
Have a mid-morning snack after breakfast. Eating something between lunch and dinner can help prevent overeating later in the day. Try a piece of fruit or a slice of whole grain toast with peanut butter.
Avoid eating too close to bedtime. Studies show that we metabolize nutrients more efficiently when we sleep so staying slim is easier when you go to bed earlier.
Do not starve yourself to death before going to bed. Before you go to sleep, eat a light dinner. You might be surprised at how much food you need to fall asleep.
Include green tea in your daily life. Green tea is rich in catechins which are plant compounds, which reduce inflammation and speed up metabolism. A Journal of Nutrition study found that green tea drinkers who consumed three cups daily of the beverage had a greater weight loss than those who didn’t. A second study revealed that green tea intake increased men’s metabolic rates by three percent over twelve weeks.
What herb melts bodyfat?
It may not be possible to lose weight without dieting but herbs are an excellent way to help you burn calories. Over the years, many have used herbs to accomplish this. Some of them include; Green tea, Ginko Biloba, Ginger root, Ginseng, Hawthorn berry, Licorice root, Milk Thistle seed, Mullein leaf, Rosemary, St John’s Wort, Turmeric, Valerian Root, and Yohimbe bark.
The herbs can be used topically or orally. They are rich in nutrients that can increase metabolic rate. These nutrients help speed up the destruction of glycogen stocks and lipids inside the cell walls. The bloodstream is then able to release free fatty acid, which can be used for fuel.
The immune system can be boosted and diseases prevented by herbal remedies. They are great for people who do not want to take drugs or have surgery.
Many people use herbs because they know how effective they are. However, some people don’t realize just how powerful these natural substances are. There are many places you can purchase herbs, including online, pharmacies, or health food stores. Most herbs last for several weeks.
A good example of an herb that works by increasing the metabolic rate is green tea. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which increases the activity of enzymes responsible for breaking down fats in the cells. EGCG has also been found to improve glucose tolerance. It reduces your risk of developing diabetes.
Ginger root is another example. Ginger root is a stimulant. It increases metabolism and stimulates digestive tract. Ginger helps eliminate toxins from our digestive system.
Other herbs that improve metabolism include ginseng (licorice root), mullein Leaf, rosemary and turmeric.
The best way to get herbs is to make teas. This allows active ingredients to enter your bloodstream quickly. You should always take herbs internally under medical supervision. If you prefer to take herbs internally, you should apply them directly to the affected areas. You could inflict irritation on other parts of your body or cause damage.
Do smoothie cleanses work?
It is important to know if you are eliminating toxins from your body. You may have another problem if you don’t.
Cleansing must eliminate all toxins from your system in order to be effective.
If this isn’t happening, you either aren’t drinking enough water or haven’t been eating properly.
This could also be a sign that you need to decrease your intake of salt or caffeine.
There are other possible reasons you might not see results.
- Your digestive system isn’t functioning correctly. This means that your body isn’t taking in what you’re taking in.
- You’re not getting enough protein. Protein helps build muscle tissue.
- You’re consuming too much carbs. Carbs are stored calories.
- Sugar intake is excessive. Sugar causes insulin spikes. This can slow down your metabolism.
- Your diet is not adequate in fats. Some vitamins are only absorption-friendly if you eat enough fats.
- Your diet is not sufficient in essential fatty oils (EFAs). EFAs are known to reduce inflammation.
- You are not getting enough fiber. Fiber absorbs excess cholesterol. Fiber speeds up digestion.
- Your diet is not adequate in vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for proper collagen production. Collagen helps keep skin elastic and firm.
- You are not eating enough. You should measure your portions using a standard cup measuring device.
- Your alcohol intake is excessive. The effects of alcohol can be very drying.
- You are consuming too high levels of caffeine. Too much caffeine is toxic for the liver.
- Too little magnesium is being consumed. Magnesium is essential for strong bones and healthy muscles.
- Your potassium intake is too low. Potassium is needed to maintain fluid balance in your body.
What is an African mango?
British explorers first discovered the fruit while on an expedition to Africa. Although it has been grown in South America for many centuries, the fruit’s production is declining due to climate change, deforestation and other factors.
The African Mango Project will reverse this decline by promoting sustainable ways to grow fruit in East Africa.
They also aim to create local jobs and improve the lives of communities living near plantations.
Their goal is to have the first commercial crop ready for harvest within 5 years.
How can I reduce my appetite?
The best way to stop eating when you’re hungry is to eat small frequent meals throughout the day rather than just three large ones at mealtimes. This helps keep your blood sugar levels steady and reduces hunger pangs.
Drinking lots of water, or taking an herbal supplement like bitter melon and ginseng may be better than eating only.
Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, or pasta. They give you a quick boost and then a huge crash.
Instead, opt for protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes. These foods will give you energy for long periods and help keep your blood sugar stable.
Finally, avoid sugary snacks and drinks such as chocolate bars, doughnuts, cakes, candies, soft drinks, and juice. These can trigger cravings and leave you feeling bloated and sluggish.
Instead, opt for healthier options like fresh fruits, veggies, salads and whole-grain cereals.
You shouldn’t be relying on miracle products or fad diets to lose weight.
How to Take African Mango Extract
Mango extract is simple to make. Take a fresh, ripe mango and place the flesh in a blender. Blend until smooth.
If you need a cleaner pulp, it is possible to strain it. Store in a cool dark place.
For future use, you can freeze the pulp. This will save you money on buying another batch each mango season.
Statistics
- In a total of 54 randomized controlled trials in healthy adults with overweight or obesity, the authors found no difference in weight or body fat percentage between the Garcinia Cambogia group and the placebo group (3Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- On average, they experienced 28 pounds (12.8 kg) of weight loss, a 6.4-inch (16.2-cm) reduction in waist circumference, and a 6.3% dip in body fat (5Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- According to another review from 2012, CLA may make you lose about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) compared with a placebo. (healthline.com)
- According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. (healthline.com)
- A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source (healthline.com)
External Links
fda.gov
cdc.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- IGOB131 is a novel seed extract from the West African plant Irvingia gaonensis that significantly lowers body weight and improves metabolic conditions in overweight individuals in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial – PMC
- A case report of renal failure that was linked to African mango consumption.
webmd.com
How To
Goji Berries: Side Effects and Health Benefits
Goji berries are one the oldest cultivated fruits in China. They are also known by the names wolfberries or Chinese plums. They are native to Asia’s Himalayas, and can be found wild in Asia. Goji derives its name from the Tibetan word “gom”, which means “to grow”. They’re known as Kuzuimaki (Japan).
The goji berry was first mentioned in ancient Chinese literature around 300 BC. It was used primarily as a food source, although some medicinal uses were recorded. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, polysaccharides, and enzymes. They are rich in anthocyanins. Goji berries have many benefits including anti-aging, immunity system support, antioxidant protection and heart health benefits. They also provide energy boost, memory improvement, weight loss aid and skin healthy.
Because of their nutritional value, Goji berries are sometimes referred to as a superfood. This fruit is rich in vitamins C, beta-carotene (vitamin A6), calcium, iron and magnesium. It also contains significant amounts vitamin B6 and choline. Goji berries are often compared to blueberries because of their similar colors, taste, and texture. Both blueberries and gojiberries are rich in ellagic acid which is a powerful cancer-fighting chemical that can be found in plants, particularly nuts and seeds.
Studies have shown that goji berries can reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, prevent macular degeneration, protect against certain cancers, and promote cardiovascular health.
Goji berries can lower cholesterol and triglyceride, while increasing HDL cholesterol (good) levels. Goji berries have been shown to lower blood pressure and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Goji berries may be able to fight Alzheimer’s disease, according to one study. Another study showed that gojiberries can help with depression symptoms. Goji berries are sometimes used to treat insomnia.
Goji berries can also help you maintain a healthy body weight. Studies show that gojiberries may help increase metabolism. Eating them daily can also help you feel fuller longer.
Goji berries are very nutritious and many people add them into smoothies, juices, and other desserts. Even as a snack, you can eat them plain!
Goji berries can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Gojiberries should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Goji berries may be harmful if consumed by children, elderly individuals, or those with low immunity. Consuming gojiberries may cause side effects. Stop using them immediately.
