‘Tis the season my friends! Time for holiday parties, appetizers, drinks, desserts, and decadent meals. It’s that once a year (except for Valentine’s Day, Easter, summer barbecues, etc) that we all love to hate because it’s so hard to avoid temptation and eat healthy.
So, here’s an idea. Let’s stop stressing about the holidays and any possible eating snafus, and just enjoy them. Isn’t it really more about what we do the other 11 months of the year that makes or breaks us?
If you’re worried about holiday eating, ramp up your exercise for the next few weeks, try to plan ahead so you never arrive to a holiday party overly-hungry, and make really great (not just good, but GREAT) choices as much as you can during this season. I’m gonna bet you come out ahead on the scale, and you might even get a jump start on some really healthy habits that you can continue into the New Year.
And, here’s my favorite tip if you’re planning to host a holiday party this year: Do brunch instead of dinner. It’s the easiest way to serve delicious food that’s still healthy and completely guilt-free. Like this baked oatmeal dish instead of a big pasta casserole. Pair it with a fresh fruit and veggie platter instead of all those cheesy appetizers. And a coffee and tea bar instead of cocktails.
Sounds so much easier, doesn’t it? Less stress, less work, better for you – and your guests.
An easy, make-ahead breakfast or brunch idea that tastes like dessert!
How are you getting ready for the holiday eating fest?
Hi! The ingredients call for crushed pineapple, but it does not state where to add them in the directions of the recipe. Can you clarify? Thanks!
Oh no! I’m so sorry and thanks for catching that Laura. The crushed pineapple should be spread over the bottom of the empty pan, and then add the oat mixture on top. I’ll edit the recipe!
I’m so glad you like it Laura! Thanks for visiting!
Thank you for including the calorie count! So tired of online recipes presented as “healthy,” but without the added information about calories. Looks delish.
You’re so very welcome!I’ve had quite a few requests so I thought it was time to invest in a nutrition analysis plug-in for my website!
Really shouldn’t put ads with food that are off putting like the knee relief ad for seniors that was interspersed with this recipe not once, but 3 times. By the time I got to the recipe I was not hungry at all!!! And the recipe was not nearly as appealing with the ad in the front of my mind!!!
Can this dish be prepared the day before and baked the next morning?
I haven’t tried it but I do think you can prepare it the night before. Just make sure it’s refrigerated!
Hi, I am a registered dietitian and am always happy to see those in our profession online, promoting not only nutrition but a love of sensible, flavorful foods. I also love it that you are a positive mature role model!
In my job, I have a cooking class for patients and include nutrient analysis which we discuss, so they learn how to read the label. With that in mind, I think it would be helpful to post a basic nutrition analysis with every recipe just so readers have an idea of the nutritional content of recipes. I realize some folks don’t care or don’t know what to look for but we can always help them out with that.
I just noticed your comment in my spam folder so my apologies for not responding earlier! I wanted to let you know that I did start to publish a nutrition analysis on my recipes. I have quite a few requests so finally decided to purchase a plug-in for my website that does that. It’s a slow process but I’m trying to go back and edit older recipes that have been popular. Thanks so much for reading and for your comment!
This recipe caught my eye from the daily SmartBrief. I book marked it and am happy to say I finally made it. I took it to work to share with my co-workers and it was a big hit. I will have to make it again as I forgot to add the carrots! Baking at 6 AM might have something to do with it. Great recipe, a keeper.
Hi Diane, I just found your comment in my spam folder and wanted to say thanks for reading and so glad you liked the recipe! Hilarious though that you forgot to add the carrots to carrot cake oatmeal!!