By: Leslie L., Editor: Ana T.

Now that the goblins and pumpkin carving come to a swift halt, we trade our spooky mischief for Christmas spirit. Therefore, I have compiled a list of affordable, healthier food alternatives for girls’ night. I’ve even included the best rom-com Christmas movies to pair with snacks for the festivities. 

Suggestion #1

While wine night definitely has an appeal (for students of age), there are many benefits to switching to tea as a calming drink of choice. My specific suggestion is Yogi’s “Woman’s raspberry tea leaf tea”. It comes with 16 tea bags for the price of approximately $3.98. It helps to reduce PMS symptoms, is full of antioxidants, is a good source of magnesium, a good source of calcium, fights cancer cells, and also just tastes great! Herbal remedies are great for unwinding for the day and giving you serenity amidst your busy schedule.

Suggestion #2

Replacing sour cream, butter, and all that enriched fat content can be difficult to give up. Instead of completely dropping your favorite foods, replace them with greek yogurt. 

Spinach Artichoke dip with a yogurt base can be a great addition to this outing, while also adding a twist to your normal over-processed chips and dip. It’s scrumptious as a spread on tortilla chips, toasted baguettes, crackers, and fresh vegetables.

This specific recipe can be made in the oven or stove. Given how not all apartments or dorms give you access to an oven, I’d suggest preparing it on the stovetop. It’s more accessible and also faster. 

 

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful recipe:

-10oz frozen spinach

-1 cup greek yogurt

-14oz artichoke hearts

-½ cup parmesan cheese

-8oz cream cheese

-½ cup shredded mozzarella

-3 cloves garlic (minced)

–Salt and pepper

 

Essentially, you will (1) melt the cheeses in the pot, (2) add artichoke and spinach, and lastly, (3) cook until warm. For more explicit instructions click here. It would be 15 minutes well spent.

 

Suggestion #3

Another recipe that only takes 15 minutes to make are these vegan and gluten free chocolate peanut butter banana bites. For just a few pieces, it consists of under 100 calories. The fruit base contains only natural sugar and can be a card resource for carbs, energy and fiber. As for the rest, the peanut butter contains healthy fats and lean protein. 

Ingredients needed:

-fresh bananas

-natural peanut butter with no added oils/sugars preferably

-dark or milk chocolate chips

-coconut oil for flexibility with the chocolate

…Click here for a step by step video tutorial and click here for the written tips and facts.

Conclusion 

These three recipes serve as yummy, healthy alternatives for a snack, drink and desert for all to enjoy. All of these can be made in 15 minutes or less and are sure to be a hoot at the next girls night out. Since the semester is coming to an end and Christmas is approaching, it’s important to take time for yourself and your relationships. These are just a few ideas that can alleviate the stress of trying to eat healthy while balancing everything all at once.

Bonus

In the spirit of old Saint Nick, there are a lot of rom com suggestions I have that remind some of us used to watch Hallmark movies around this time as children. With this, I help to perpetuate your sense of optimism and love for this time of year. I understand that most people have access to Netflix because it is older and widely available to more people. Thus, I kept this in mind when crafting this list. 

My all time favorite rom com for the holidays is Holidate. It came out back in 2020 and is written pretty well. It has the popular movie trophe where the main characters pretend to be each other’s date for the holidays to appease their families, but end up falling in love with each other. If you liked My Fake Fiancé (2009), The Proposal (2009), or Failure to Launch (2006), you should get a lot of enjoyment out of this movie. It’s a matter of true love and the inevitable happening once initiated. 

Next up on my list is The Princess Switch (2018). Similar to The Parent Trap (1998), Vanessa Hudgens plays two different characters, but they look identical because they are played by the same person. Of the two main characters, they both have radically different lives from each other; one a duchess, the other an ordinary woman from Chicago. They end up both falling for men outside of their normal realm in this change of scenery. It deeply surprised me because I wasn’t anticipating its charm.

For more ideas on what to watch this holiday season on Netflix, click here for an even longer list.