Merry Keto Christmas Dinner

If you are following a keto diet, no worries: There are plenty of delicious ways to serve a no-carb menu this Christmas and still enjoy the traditional treats. In fact, we think your Christmas dinner will shine with these scrumptious recipes.

First, What is Eating Keto?

A keto (or ketogenic) diet is an extremely low carb, high fat diet that is similar to Atkins and other low-carb diets. The idea is to drastically reduce carbohydrates and replace them with fat. This reduction in carbs put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, and while proponents say it burns off weight, it’s not the right diet for everyone.  (Check out this article from the Spafinder archives for an interesting read on the ins and outs of going keto.)

Begin with the Basics

Here’s the good news–traditional Christmas dinners are very keto friendly. (Think roasted turkey, savory salmon, perfectly carved roast beef, fresh salads with crisp veggies.) But if you’re not eating carbs, how do you serve holiday favorites like eggnog, cookies and potatoes? The food wizards at Gnom-Gnom have you covered. Here are three of our favorite recipes from their keto holiday collection[1].

Eggnog, Please

This classic recipe for eggnog is easy breezy. Plus, you can make it as rich as you’d like and still stick to your diet.

• Blend or whisk 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (warmed up) with a dash of grated nutmeg.
• Add 1/4-cup coffee or an espresso shot
• Top with homemade whipped cream

If you need to add sugar, Gnom-Gnom suggests Swerve or xylitol. They are almost the same sweetness as sugar with no aftertaste. And if you plan on including some traditional alcohol in your eggnog, choose a dark rum or bourbon. Both are carb free.

Voilà! You are an eggnog Christmas elf and your guests will applaud you.

Surprising Keto Roasted Radishes

Skip carb-loaded potatoes and mix it up with roasted radishes. (Yes, we said radishes.)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 bunches small to medium radishes (about 20) trimmed and halved or sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons thyme fresh or dried
• sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Brush a baking dish or rimmed tray with olive oil.
• Place radishes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, thyme and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Roast for 45 minutes, until golden and crisp, tossing the radishes about half way through.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and roast for five more minutes. Serve right away.

Gingerbread for Christmas

It wouldn’t be Christmas without gingerbread cookies. Check out this recipe for gluten-free, keto friendly cookies. They can be baked crisp or soft, are delicious with milk and are even better the next day.

Spafinder Gift Cards are a perfect host or hostess gift.

[1] Gnom-Gnom, “20 Scrumptious Keto Christmas Recipes To Get You Holiday-ing,” by Pacola, February 2018