The Friday 5
With "The Dip" everyone asks for + a new Brussels salad
As we head into the last few weeks of the year, I'm excited to share my current favorite healthy holiday appetizer—we call it “The Dip,” and people ask for it by name. I’ve also got a new Brussels salad and two new YouTube videos for you.
Here’s this week’s Friday 5:
1. Recipe Video: Creamy Goat Cheese Dip (aka The Dip) 🎥
Let me introduce you to "The Dip" - a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for any holiday gathering.
Goat’s milk and cheese are full of medium-chain-fatty acids, whereas cow’s milk contains long-chain-fatty acids. Medium-chain-fatty acids are easier to digest, making this creamy dip seem indulgent without being a gut bomb. Everyone loves it!
2. Recipe Video: Healthy Hot Chocolate ☕
In case you missed it, I recently shared a video about how to make a health-boosting hot chocolate.
This recipe has sent nearly 500k people to my blog over the last 5 years, so I thought it was time to do a quick demonstration to show you the tips to make sure it turns out perfect. It's a lovely drink to keep you warm and nourished during these chilly days.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
3: Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad 🥗
I’ve been playing with a shaved Brussels salad for a while and this is the recipe I’ve landed on because the texture and flavor are both fantastic.
I combined raw shaved Brussels with roasted shaved Brussels, shallot, lemon, and hazelnuts for a crunchy and satisfying texture that kept me wanting more.
This salad is incredibly high in fiber and good for you, if you like Brussels (or you’re not sure?) give it a try!
Print: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Lemon-Shallot Dressing >
4. Thoughts Beyond Dieting 📸
I recently shared some thoughts on Instagram about the importance of not dieting, especially during this festive season. It's a reminder to enjoy life's pleasures without guilt and to embrace a balanced approach to eating.
As a health coach with over 13 years of experience, I can tell you that one of the BEST ways to be healthier is to cook most of your own food at home.
Craving a burger or your favorite cookie? Whip it up with high-quality ingredients. Remember, it’s not about strict diets or cutting out food groups. The world’s healthiest people don’t stick to labels like Paleo or vegetarian or any other label. They prioritize real ingredients, community bonds, and daily movement.
Forget the quest for the ‘perfect’ diet—it’s a myth. The real villain? Ultra-processed foods with zero nutritional value. Choose quality breads, cheeses, meats, (and of course LOTS of fruits and veggies) and more. These aren’t ultra-processed; they’re minimally processed, and that’s okay.
If you want to get healthier, your top focus should be to make most of your own food at home.
And focus on protein and fiber! I’ll be writing a lot more about this in 2024.
5. Always Reminding Myself… 🎁
As we hustle and bustle through this holiday season, I always come back to one of my favorite quotes: "Your presence is the greatest present you can give someone."
It's a gentle reminder to cherish the moments we spend with our loved ones, as these are truly priceless and time is our most precious gift.
Amidst the holiday rush, take a moment for yourself, breathe, and enjoy the simple joys of being present with people you love (including yourself!).
Wishing you a weekend full of love and a little bit of holiday magic. ✨
Cheers!
Elizabeth
Thank you Liz for all your wonderful recipes and tips ! Appreciate you very much. Have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. xx