Simple and Healthy Ways to Update Your Christmas Meal

Is Christmas dinner becoming too bland? Want to spice things up? Try these 5 new alternatives to traditional Christmas food that are sure to make your Christmas experience unique - without sacrificing taste.

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes. A new update on the classic potato dish, this is a sweeter - and healthier - version that everyone will love. Preparation is easy and you don't need to add much to make this a delicious dish. There are many unique recipes at foodnetwork.com, and it usually requires very little work. You don't need many ingredients either, since the sweet potato already packs a lot of flavor.

2. Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Instead of buying it at your local grocer, why not make it? It adds a nice, homemade touch to your Christmas meal and kids are sure to love the sweet taste. Take fresh cranberries and boil them, adding sugar as you stir. When it reaches your preferred thickness, put it in the fridge overnight and serve the next morning. If you want to spice up this dish more, check out the recipes at AllRecipes.com.

3. Quinoa Stuffing. Quinoa is fairly new to the U.S. Food Market, and is popular with vegetarians and vegans alike. Pronounced Keen-Wah, it has been used in South America for over 3,000 years. Although not a true grain, it acts as a grain and can be cooked accordingly. It is rich in vitamins and has a nutty, crunchy flavor. It cooks quickly so it makes an ideal, fast meal if you're on-the-go.

Quinoa Stuffing is a healthier alternative to your average stuffing, and packs more flavor. You need very little for this as well - Quinoa, of course, along with a variety of diced vegetables (zucchini, squash, apricots, and cranberries) and some spices for additional flavor. Preparation is mess-free and can be paired with any meat dish. This is a great option for people who are dieting or don't like traditional stuffing - a very unique Christmas side dish for your evening.

To read more about this recipe, visit Self.com.