Tired of making the same recipes every year? Why not switch it up with these international favourites! We’ve got you covered with 3 fun, easy and wholesome recipes with an IQS spin that will have your gut thanking you.

As the festive season unfolds, what better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by embarking on a culinary journey around the globe? This year, let's trade traditional for international and bring a healthy spin to our Christmas celebrations. Join us as we explore the diverse and delicious ways others mark the holiday season, incorporating flavours from various corners of the world into our festive feasts. It's time to unwrap the gift of global inspiration and infuse your holiday table with the vibrancy of international cuisine—all while maintaining a focus on health and wellbeing.

From the white Christmases of your classic Hollywood movies to the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, every culture has its unique way of celebrating Christmas, often expressed through cherished culinary traditions. That’s why we’re transcending borders to embrace the flavours of festive dishes that not only ignite the senses but also align with a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Say goodbye to the notion that holiday indulgence and health consciousness are incompatible, and prepare to be tantalised by a feast that harmonises the best of both worlds. 

Our journey begins with a collection of fun and wholesome recipes from various corners of the globe, each offering a unique perspective on how to celebrate Christmas with a health-conscious twist. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare your taste buds for an adventure that transcends cultural boundaries, proving that a healthy Christmas celebration can be as flavourful and festive as any traditional spread. After all, the joy of the season knows no borders, and neither should the joy on your plate. Let's embark on this culinary expedition together, celebrating diversity, good health, and the universal love for delicious food.

Italian-Inspired Chestnut and Orange Biscotti

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup chestnut flour
• 1/2 cup rice malt syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped sugar-free dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F or 163°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, chestnut flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, rice malt syrup, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Fold in the sugar-free dark chocolate and almonds.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes.
8. Slice the logs into biscotti shapes and arrange them on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the biscotti are crisp.
10. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Mexican-Inspired Spiced Pecans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw pecan halves
• 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F or 163°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix pecans, rice malt syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and sea salt until the pecans are evenly coated.
3. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are golden and fragrant.
5. Allow them to cool completely before serving. They will become crisp as they cool.

Japanese Matcha Green Tea Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Additional matcha powder for coating

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine shredded coconut, rice malt syrup, melted coconut oil, matcha powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Process until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
4. Roll each ball in additional matcha powder to coat.
5. Place the truffles on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy these delightful, sugar-free Matcha Green Tea Truffles.
7. These international sugar-free recipes will add a flavourful and festive touch to your Christmas celebrations, allowing you to indulge without compromising your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. 

Need a little help getting your health back on track? Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!