Holiday eating is a study in paradox. You’re surrounded by food, but you’re so busy shopping and cooking that you don’t have time to eat. Then, when your blood sugar dips to the point of derangement, you make a desperate lunge for the closest foodstuff—and the next thing you know, you’ve eaten an entire box of regifted peppermint bark.
We know a little something about this scenario in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen because it plays out more or less daily. We’ve managed to find a middle ground between juice fasting and Shake Shack: quick, feel-good (but not abstemious) meals. Let these recipes serve as your saviors before the feasting storm, keeping you sane (and hungry) for the big events.
“This moist, chewy soda bread satisfies all my starchy cravings but is so packed with seeds, oats, and whole wheat that it’s also energy-sustaining. It makes beautiful toast, too.” —Claire Saffitz, senior associate food editor
Make this toast a meal. All it takes is...
Nut butter + thinly sliced apples + a drizzle of honey
Softly scrambled eggs + sautéed kale + red pepper flakes
Hummus + sliced radishes + sprouts + lemon zest
Plain yogurt + smoked salmon + sliced scallions
“This breakfast is my Hail Mary: No matter what kind of madness is waiting for me at work, at least I started the day right. The sweetness of the bananas and dates balances out a big handful of virtuous kale.” —Carla Lalli Music, food director
“Vegetable soup is something I can eat a ton of and still feel healthy. The problem is, I get hungry again two hours later. So I came up with a version with beans, which deliver protein and texture, tiding me over to the next meal.” —Rick Martinez, associate food editor, digital
“It’s important to hydrate, but it’s hard to down enough plain water. That’s why I always have a tonic by my side. This version is stomach-soothing and tasty—you’ll actually want to drink it!” —Brad Leone, test kitchen manager