10 HO-HO-HEALTHY SNACKS TO LEAVE FOR SANTA AND HIS TEAM THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas is just around the corner. And that means, Santa will soon be coming down the chimneys.

But have you ever wondered if the snacks we leave for Santa might eventually cause a Claus-tastrophe?

I mean, a well-intentioned plate of sugar-laden cookies and warm milk that adds more pounds to Santa's already huge belly and hefty load could be a recipe for disaster – good ol’ Saint Nick, the jolliest man on earth, stuck in a chimney or sending his sleigh crashing down!

Maybe it’s about time we put Santa on a diet.

Now, I get it. You're knee-deep in the holiday hustle, secretly embarrassed for not being Pinterest-perfect with your Christmas snacks, and creating healthy munchies for Santa and his team isn’t exactly at the top of your list. 

But do you want to make the holidays magical and snack-tastic with simple, guilt-free nibbles? I see you nodding along and mentally calculating how many minutes you can spare between gift-wrapping marathons.

Well, ho-ho-hold on tight! Because we're about to sleigh the snack game together!

And, no. This isn’t about making you the North Pole's top chef. It's about creating simple, healthy, wholesome treats that keep Santa and his merry crew fueled for the night ahead, and your taste buds satisfied with what is left behind!

Ready? Let's jingle all the way! 🛷🌟

Here are our Top10 healthy Christmas snacks - or should I say, Treat10? 

Get it? Because they’re tasty treats? 

Ok, I’m not very original...

10. Carrot Sticks for Rudolph

Rich in Vitamin A, oven-baked carrot sticks will help Santa and his reindeers keep their vision sharp when navigating the night sky. To prepare them, preheat your oven to 220 C. While it’s heating up, slice some carrots into sticks. Add oil, salt and pepper plus seasoning of your choice (try paprika, garlic and rosemary or thyme). Spread the carrot sticks on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. And you’re done!

9. Nutcracker's Nut Mix

Now, let's go nuts! Almonds, walnuts, cashews – they're not just a crunchy delight; they're energy boosters too. It's like giving Santa and his team a power-packed snack to keep them soaring through the night sky. No cooking required here: just mix up your favourite nuts for a nutty symphony in your mouth.

8. Elf-Approved Cheese Board

Great for strong bones and teeth, Santa’s little helpers will be grateful when he returns to the North Pole with calcium-rich cheese from around the world. All you have to do is prepare a mini feast of different types of cheese, like Brie, cheddar cheese, Gouda or Parmesan.

7. Gingerbread Man's Hummus and Veggie Dip

Hummus, the plant-based protein-packed hero. Pair it with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers or peppers for that satisfying crunch. Hummus is not just tasty - it naturally regulates sugar levels in your body. And we’re not judging but, Santa could use some of that.

6. Rosemary, Garlic, and Chilli Popcorn

Beyond being a crispy delight, popcorn is great for blood circulation – something Santa definitely needs on these frosty nights. Just heat 2 tbsp of rapeseed oil in a saucepan, fry 2 lightly mashed garlic cloves, rosemary and chilli for 2-3 minutes then set aside for 30 minutes, leaving the oil to infuse. Toss the garlic and season your popcorn with the infused oil. That’s it! Ready to serve. This snack is crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-good for you.

Now, you might be wondering: "Okay, but what about sweet snacks?” 

Don't worry, we're getting there. Next up:

5. Santa's Berry Bonanza

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – a burst of colour and healthy benefits. These little gems are loaded with antioxidants and fibre, making them the perfect snack to keep Santa and the reindeers in top shape. If you live in a country where it’s warm in December, why not offer these as a refreshing snack for Santa’s team? Just slice them and mix them in a bowl or, even better - blend them with almond milk for a tasty grab-n-go smoothie.

4. Mr Snowman's Yogurt Parfait

Layer creamy Greek yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh fruits (blueberries, perhaps?) – it's like building a snowman in your bowl. Beyond the aesthetics, yogurt brings probiotics to the table, ensuring Santa's immune system stays as happy and healthy as yours.

3. Frosty's Energy Balls with Apricots and Dates

Guilt-free, nutrient-packed treats. Dried apricots bring antioxidants to the party, while dried dates sweeten the deal. Grab a food processor, throw in your dried apricots and dates and whizz them until finely chopped. Mix the fruit with coconut oil then shape it into bite-sized balls, roll them in sesame seeds for that frosty look and voila! Enjoy now. Thank us later.

2. Cinnamon-Stewed Apples

For a warm, comforting touch. Slice some apples, add cinnamon and raisins and place these in a saucepan. Add 2 tbsp of water, cover the saucepan and cook for 10-15 minutes. Once the apples are nice and soft, serve them with a dash of yoghurt and maple syrup and you’ll get a snack that promotes weight loss and boosts gut and brain health. It's like a warm hug for Santa's journey. 

1. Reindeer-Friendly Air-Dried Fruit Crisps

Sliced fruits, air-dried to crispy perfection – because we couldn’t end this list without recommending our very own Gusto snacks! Rich in fibre, deliciously crunchy and low in calories, they are the perfect guilt-free pick-me-up for Saint Nick. From mango to dark chocolate flavour twists, he’ll certainly find something to his liking from our range. 

So there you have it! We've decked the halls with healthy treats fit for Santa himself.

Remember, you're not just giving away tasty bites; you're offering a Christmas experience that nourishes from the inside out. Santa and his team will thank you for the energy boost, and so will your friends and family.

Think of these treats as your ticket to a Christmas morning filled with laughter, joy, and the sweet sound of satisfied munching. You'll be serving up health, happiness, and a touch of magic in every bite. Things that go well beyond presents under the tree.

Will you be giving any of these snacks a try?

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P.S. Did you catch the coupon code hidden in the article? Go ahead and apply it at our Amazon checkout! It's a little gift from the Gusto family to yours. Because you too deserve a sweet reward!

🎁 Merry Christmas! 🎄