The holidays come with an abundance of indulgent foods. Think about it: What festive gathering isn’t centered around some decadent treat, elaborate meal, or sweet bite? We often find ourselves binge-eating during this time, which only creates lackluster moods and sluggish brain fog. This season, we would like to encourage you to make choices that will keep you feeling lucid, energized, and happy. These simple swaps trade empty calories for dense nutrition without compromising any holiday flavor.  

1. The Classic: Eggnog

The Swap: Brazil Nut Milk with Fresh Nutmeg

Most eggnogs are made of raw egg, loads of sugar, heavy cream, bourbon, and nutmeg. (If we handed you a handful of sugar to eat you would probably politely decline, but that’s essentially what you’re doing when you drink a cup of eggnog.) Instead, lean into the spicy, creamy goodness of this holiday treat with BrazilNut Milk. Our PrimaFoodie recipe makes the frothiest, creamiest drink. We love to add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a good dusting of fresh nutmeg to ours. You’ll never miss the Nog.

2. The Classic: Mashed Potatoes 

The Swap: Parsnip Purée

 Mashed potatoes are usually a highlight on any holiday table. Unfortunately, they are filled with butter and heavy cream and very little nutrition. On top of that, potato is a high glycemic food that essentially turns into sugar when digested by the body. You can still get that creamy starch with parsnips. This low-glycemic root vegetable is just as satisfying with roasted meats, gravy, and all the fixings. (Plus it’s approved for SIBO and Low FODMAP diets.)

3. The Classic: Pasta

The Swap: Spaghetti Squash, Celeriac Noodles, or Zucchini Noodles

The highlight of a good pasta dish is usually the al dente texture of the pasta and the flavor of the sauce. When cooked just right, a thin “zoodle” made from squash, celeriac, or zucchini noodle still gives you that pasta bite while being a healthy vehicle for your Italian gravy.  

4. The Classic: Starbucks Chai Latte

The Swap: PrimaFoodie Chai Latte   

For some, Starbucks is everything. But we simply cannot stand by them when they douse their lattes with milk and simple syrups filled with sugars, corn syrups, and added preservatives. The PrimaFoodie Chai uses smooth brazil nut milk, and delightful—and healthy—spices.

5. The Classic: Milk Chocolate

The Swap: Dark Chocolate  

For those on SIBO and Low FODMAP diets, milk chocolate is a big no. Swapping that for 100 percent cacao raw chocolate can satisfy your chocolate craving without the added milk and sugar. Plus, raw cacao is rich in antioxidants and minerals. We melt ours down with a bit of local honey and some coconut oil to make our chocolate almond butter cups, dip fruit, homemade marshmallows, and biscotti.

6. The Classic: Bread

The Swap: Macadamia Nut Bread

Trust Nichole when she says: You can survive the holidays without gluten. Here’s one way: Make the PrimaFoodie Macadamia Nut Bread. Toast and spread a thick layer of homemade jam on top. It also makes for a quick dessert with a little raw cocoa dusting.