Healthy Charcuterie Boards for the Holidays (Anti-Inflammatory Edition)

There’s something about a holiday charcuterie board that makes every gathering feel special.
But let’s be honest…
Most boards are a minefield for bloating, inflammation, and blood sugar crashes:

• Processed meats

• Sugary jams

• Dairy-heavy cheeses

• Crackers made with seed oils

• Mystery dips full of preservatives

You can enjoy the experience of grazing without the digestive chaos that usually follows.

This anti-inflammatory edition gives you all the beauty and flavor of a holiday board — but made with simple, whole ingredients that balance blood sugar, support gut health, and leave you feeling energized instead of puffy.

Let’s build your board, piece by piece.

1. The Protein Anchor: Clean, High-Quality Meats

Skip the processed, nitrate-heavy deli cuts and choose clean, simple proteins that stabilize blood sugar and keep cravings down.

Great Anti-Inflammatory Options:

• Sliced roasted chicken breast

• Applegate organic turkey slices

• Uncured prosciutto

• Nitrate-free salami (small amounts)

• Grass-fed beef sticks or mini sausages (clean ingredient list only)

Why It Matters: Protein slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar... your best defense against the crash-and-crave cycle common at holiday events.

2. Add Anti-Inflammatory Fats (Your Hormones Will Thank You)

Healthy fats make your board feel rich and satisfying — without the inflammatory hit from dairy-heavy cheeses.

Try:

• Sliced avocado

• Olives (green, black, Castelvetrano)

• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans

• Smoked salmon

• Avocado-oil based dips

Optional Dairy-Free “Cheeses”:

• Kite Hill almond-based cream cheese

• Miyoko’s cashew-based cheese wheels

• Treeline herb cheese

Creamy textures, zero dairy bloat.

3. Build Color With Gut-Friendly Fruits & Veggies

The secret to making your board beautiful and functional?
Color. Fiber. Phytonutrients.

Fruits:

• Pomegranate seeds

• Sliced pears

• Sliced apples (toss with lemon to prevent browning)

• Blueberries

• Grapes (small portion to keep sugars gentle)

Veggies:

• Cucumber slices

• Mini bell peppers

• Cherry tomatoes

• Roasted carrots

• Steamed/roasted broccoli florets

• Pickled onions or fermented veggies (for gut diversity!)

These add crunch, balance the richness of the proteins and fats, and support digestion with every bite.

4. Choose Anti-Inflammatory Crunch (Crackers That Don’t Cause Chaos)

Most crackers are loaded with seed oils (canola, soybean, safflower), refined flours, and fillers that spike inflammation.

Try These Instead:

• Simple Mills almond crackers

• Hu grain-free crackers

• Siete cassava crackers

• Veggie sticks (cucumber, jicama, carrots)

• Toasted sweet potato rounds

Gut-friendly AND delicious.

5. Swap Sugary Dips for Clean Flavor Boosters

Traditional boards hide a surprising amount of sugar.
Instead, build flavor with dips that balance blood sugar and inflammation.

Ideas:

• Hummus

• Baba ganoush

• Guacamole

• Olive tapenade

• Dairy-free tzatziki

• Whole-fruit compote (just simmer berries + lemon + a touch of honey)

6. Add One “Fun” Element (Because Food Should Be Enjoyed)

A healthy board doesn’t need to be rigid.
Choose one “treat” that fits your season and your style:

• Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) squares

• Gluten-free ginger snaps

• Honey drizzle

• Cinnamon-roasted nuts

It adds joy and balance, no guilt required.

7. How to Arrange It (The Easy Formula)

If assembling boards stresses you out, use this simple order:

1. Place the protein first → anchors the board

2. Add your dips → use small bowls to create structure

3. Layer in fruits and veggies → fill space with color

4. Add crackers and nuts → create edges and texture

5. Finish with herbs → rosemary, thyme, mint for holiday vibes

Your board will look professional with nearly no effort.

The January Reset Is Coming — And This Is Your Sign to Join

If you love healthy, delicious holiday food that still makes your body feel amazing, the next step is the January Reset: Shape Your Year.

This 3-week guided reboot is designed to help you:

• Reduce holiday bloat and inflammation
• Break sugar cravings
• Lose weight safely
• Rebalance hormones
• Restore gut health
• Regain energy and motivation

If December is about surviving… January is about transforming.

Get ready for the best year yet,

Dr Sheena