The holidays usually mean potatoes loaded with cream, cookies covered in icing, meats laden with rich sauces, and all the sugary cocktails you can imagine — but they don't have to. When you want to keep your belt from needing a few extra notches come midnight, try one of these vegan [1], Paleo [2], gluten-free [3], or low-cal mains, sides, and desserts [4]. Your friends and family (and Santa) will thank you.
Kale Salad With Sweet Potato Noodles and a Smoky Orange Vinaigrette
Get the recipe: kale salad with sweet potato noodles and a smoky orange vinaigrette [6]
Vegan Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Get the recipe: vegan pomegranate chocolate chip oatmeal cookies [7]
Christmas Veggie Kabobs
Get the recipe: christmas veggie kabobs [8]
Cranberry Chicken Breast
Get the recipe: cranberry chicken breast [9]
Almond and Coconut Macaroons
Get the recipe: almond and coconut macaroons [10]
Paleo Quiche With a Grain-Free Crust
Get the recipe: Paleo quiche with a grain-free crust [11]
Low-Carb Chocolate Pecan Pie
Get the recipe: low-carb chocolate pecan pie [12]
Kale Salad With Chia Croutons
Get the recipe: kale salad with chia croutons [13]
Paleo Stuffed Peppers
Get the recipe: Paleo stuffed peppers [14]
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Smoothie
Get the recipe: gluten-free gingerbread smoothie [15]
Paleo Sausage, Apple, and Butternut Squash Stuffing
Get the recipe: Paleo sausage, apple, and butternut squash stuffing [17]
Guilt-Free Chocolate Chia Cookies
Get the recipe: guilt-free chocolate chia cookies [18]
Sautéed Steaks With Wilted Arugula
Get the recipe: sautéed steaks with wilted arugula [19]
Vegan Chocolate Bark
Get the recipe: vegan chocolate bark [20]
Squash, Sweet Potato, Carrot, and White Bean Soup
Get the recipe: squash, sweet potato, carrot, and white bean soup [21]
Pear, Pomegranate, and Spinach Salad
Get the recipe: pear, pomegranate, and spinach salad [22]
Balsamic Marinated Steak Bites With Kale
Get the recipe: balsamic marinated steak bites with kale [23]
Dipped Paleo Gingersnaps
Get the recipe: dipped Paleo gingersnaps [24]
Cranberry Raison Brussels Sprouts
Get the recipe: cranberry raison brussels sprouts [25]
Orange Rosemary Chicken
Get the recipe: orange rosemary chicken [26]
Red Pepper and Lentil Bake
Get the recipe: red pepper and lentil bake [28]
Paleo Mint Chip Truffles
Get the recipe: Paleo mint chip truffles [29]
Zucchini Fritters
Get the recipe: zucchini fritters [30]
Eggnog Overnight Oats
Get the recipe: eggnog overnight oats [31]
Pumpkin-Coconut Bisque
Get the recipe: pumpkin-coconut bisque [32]