Holiday meals are meant for celebration, which can often result in us overindulging a little too much!
Many traditional dishes are infamous for leaving us feeling bloated, fatigued, and inflamed. Why not let your body feel festive and amazing throughout the season? Choosing savory (yet healthy) dishes can counter-act these symptoms and let you enjoy all the holiday flavors you love!
Keep reading for Dr. Halland’s, DC, our Functional Medicine Physician at our Streeterville and River North clinics recipe for Sautéed Brussel Sprouts!
Why we love this recipe
- Brussel sprouts have many known health benefits! They are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The high fiber content help support gut regularity and health, and the high levels of vitamin K are great for bone health. They also are great for reducing inflammation!
- The cranberries in this recipe help improve digestion, reduce high cholesterol, and can boost your immune system!
- The bacon provides a healthy fat and a delicious savory element to this recipe. Selecting nitrate-free also cuts out the high sodium levels typically found in cured bacon.
Ingredients
- Brussel Sprouts (halved)
- 1-2 tbsp of coconut oil
- dash of sea salt
- dash of black pepper
- 3 pieces of nitrate-free bacon
- handful of dried cranberries
Directions
- Chop brussel sprouts in half.
- Sautee on stovetop with 1-2 tbsp of coconut oil (because it’s a great oil for high heat cooking, whereas olive oil will degrade and turn rancid if high heat is applied).
- Season with sea salt only (which is very healthy, as opposed to morton’s or table salt which is low quality / bad for blood pressure) + black pepper + dried cranberries + a few pieces of chopped bacon (nitrate free)
About Functional Medicine
Our Functional Medicine & Clinical Nutrition team addresses the underlying cause of disease. Examining dietary, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors, we are able to uncover and effectively treat the root cause of health concerns. Informed by thorough clinical and diagnostic testing, we create individualized plans to help your patients achieve optimal health through focused one-on-one sessions.
About Kristen Halland, DC
Dr. Kristen Halland leads the Functional Medicine & Clinical Nutritional team at Aligned Modern Health’s River North and Streeterville locations. Dr. Halland’s goal is to help people feel their best and live life fully – by using natural treatment options first and always seeking the root cause of the health issue. She graduated from Palmer College (Davenport) as a Chiropractic Physician in 2010 and pursued a second board certification and Diplomat in Acupuncture, First Line Therapy certifications, and extensive continuing education in integrative nutrition and functional medicine. Dr. Halland has enjoyed what she calls an eclectic career, including partnering with local Dietetics schools as a rotation site for R.D. students, teaching Human Anatomy / Cadaver Lab at local nursing colleges and lecturing on continuing education topics to other healthcare providers.
If you’re looking for more health tips or have questions about food sensitivities or gut health, schedule a free consultation with our Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition team today!
