Your Paleo Christmas Menu Plan
What are you cooking this Christmas? Are you going with a traditional menu, or perhaps you're serving up something completely alternative?
It can be hard to stick to your good Paleo intentions over Christmas – particularly if you’re having to cater for lots of relatives, who perhaps don’t follow a healthy lifestyle like you do.
Traditional Christmas recipes are often full of the dangerous white stuff – sugar. How can you take the sugar out of the equation, without taking the fun away too?
Sarah Wilson has got a great festive ebook, to go along with her “I Quit Sugar” series. The “I Quit Sugar Christmas Meal Plan” contains three entire, step by step, Christmas meal plans that you can follow, or mix and match. There is a big buffet menu, a sugar free version of the traditional Christmas menu – as well as a summer barbeque menu for those of us celebrating from the Southern Hemisphere. The meal plans are organised to be made in advance, leaving the big day itself a lot less stressful!
The book also features a leftovers menu (we know we all end up with enough food to last the rest of the year!), homemade sugar free gifts (much better than buying gifts), cheat dishes, fermented recipes (great for your gut health) and bonus recipes from other bloggers (including Gwyneth Paltrow).
If you want to check out the Christmas Meal Plan ebook, you can find it here.
What are your menu plans this Christmas? I’d love to hear what you’re organising, so please share in the comments below!
Planning a Paleo-Friendly Christmas Feast
Whether you're keeping things simple or going all out with a multi-course banquet, there are plenty of ways to keep your Christmas meal delicious and nourishing without straying from your Paleo goals. With just a little forward planning and creativity, you can create a festive menu that celebrates the season without leaving you feeling bloated or sluggish.
Entrées and Starters
Instead of the usual bread-heavy platters or sugary nibbles, why not begin with light, fresh appetisers that complement the main event? Think:
- Prawns with garlic and lime: A classic Australian Christmas starter, grilled prawns tossed in garlic, lime juice, and olive oil always impress.
- Stuffed mushrooms: Fill button mushrooms with a mix of almond meal, herbs, and chopped veggies for a satisfying bite.
- Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus: These are quick to assemble, look elegant on a platter, and pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling mineral water with lime.
The Main Event
For the main course, there’s no need to rely on sugar-laden glazes or breadcrumb-heavy stuffing. A perfectly cooked piece of meat, paired with seasonal veggies, can be a showstopper. Some Paleo-friendly main dish ideas include:
- Herb-crusted lamb shoulder: Rubbed with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil and slow roasted until tender.
- Stuffed turkey breast: Rolled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts for a festive, nutrient-dense twist.
- Grilled salmon with a macadamia crust: A nod to summer with heart-healthy fats and vibrant flavours.
Side Dishes to Shine
Forget soggy bread stuffing and syrupy sweet potato casseroles. Fresh, seasonal produce can more than hold its own on the Christmas table:
- Roasted vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts tossed in coconut oil and herbs makes a colourful side.
- Cauliflower mash: A silky smooth alternative to mashed potatoes, especially with garlic and ghee.
- Grain-free stuffing: Use a base of almond meal, celery, onions, and herbs, baked in a dish or inside your roast.
Don’t Forget the Sauce
What’s Christmas without gravy? Skip the flour-based roux and thicken your gravy naturally using a reduction method or arrowroot flour. Cranberry sauce can also be made Paleo by using fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of raw honey or stevia instead of sugar. These little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing flavour.
Delightful Desserts Without the Guilt
This is where things can get tricky — traditional Christmas desserts are often loaded with processed sugar, flour, and dairy. Fortunately, Paleo dessert options are just as festive and indulgent, minus the crash:
- Paleo Christmas pudding: Made with almond meal, dates, eggs, and plenty of spices for that unmistakable holiday flavour.
- Chocolate avocado mousse: A decadent but nourishing dessert topped with berries and coconut cream.
- Coconut flour shortbread: Perfect with a post-lunch tea or coffee alternative.
Drinks That Keep You on Track
It’s easy to overdo it with drinks at Christmas — but many festive beverages are full of hidden sugars and additives. If you’re looking to keep things Paleo, try offering:
- Infused sparkling water: Think combinations like cucumber and mint or lime and basil.
- Kombucha: A great gut-friendly alternative that still feels celebratory.
- Paleo eggnog: Made with coconut milk, egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla.
If you do choose to indulge in alcohol, opt for dry red wine or clear spirits with soda and fresh citrus — and alternate each drink with a glass of water to stay hydrated.
Festive Food Prep Tips
To reduce stress on the day and avoid falling into convenience traps, consider these simple ideas:
- Prep in stages: Chop veggies and make sauces the day before.
- Double your recipes: That way, you’ll have enough leftovers to avoid cooking for a few days afterwards.
- Delegate: If you’re hosting, assign family members or guests dishes to bring — just give them a Paleo-friendly brief.
Making Peace with Holiday Eating
Remember, one of the joys of Christmas is connection and celebration. If you end up having a few non-Paleo bites, don't beat yourself up. Mindful indulgence is very different from mindless binging. Focus on the company, the conversation, and the experience — not just the food. The key is to make intentional choices rather than reacting out of habit or pressure.
Gifting the Paleo Way
If you're exchanging gifts this year, why not share your healthy lifestyle with those you love? Some ideas include:
- Jars of homemade spice rubs or dukkah
- Paleo cookies in festive packaging
- DIY bath salts or natural beauty products
- Beautifully wrapped raw chocolate truffles
These gifts are thoughtful, personal, and far healthier than mass-produced options from the shops.
Enjoy a Joyful, Nourishing Christmas
At the end of the day, Christmas is about celebration, gratitude, and time with loved ones. By planning ahead, preparing wholesome alternatives, and staying connected to your intentions, you can enjoy a festive season that feels just as joyful — without the food coma or post-holiday regret. Wishing you a beautiful and nourishing Christmas!
What’s on your Paleo Christmas menu this year? Share your ideas and inspiration below — I’d love to hear how you're making the season delicious and healthy.
