Christmas is synonymous with fun, family, and, of course, food. We are all bombarded with adverts for indulgent desserts, creamy sides, and endless appetisers and drinks, so it is difficult not to get caught up in all the excitement and give in to temptation. This usually means stocking up with too much alcohol and food, which may be ultra-processed and not the healthiest. But with just a little effort and thought, eating healthily at this frantic time can work and doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or fun.
Download our FREE Christmas recipe eBook here (https://www.gicanutrition.co.uk) for suggestions on eating more healthily at Christmas while maintaining the party spirit with a touch of indulgence.
It’s all about balance!
This time of year should be about enjoyment, not deprivation. So don’t cut out treats entirely; instead, aim for balance. Add plenty of colourful vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to your meals alongside the festive goodies. Think of your plate as a canvas—fill half with veggies, a quarter with protein, and the rest with starch or indulgent sides.
Prioritise protein and veggies and lighten up.
Protein helps you feel full longer, and vegetables add fibre and nutrients without adding calories.
Traditional Christmas dishes can be tweaked to be healthier without losing taste and scrumptiousness. Here are some ideas:
Go for the traditional Turkey roast. It packs a punch for protein, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s also lower in saturated fat than red meat (aside from the skin and darker meat). Revamp your traditional stuffing for your Christmas turkey by adding roasted exotic spices and unsalted cashews. Substitute whole-grain bread for white bread and natural yoghurt for cream. Also, experiment with adding extra veggies of your choice, like celery, mushrooms, and carrots.
Mashed Potatoes: Swap heavy cream for Greek yoghurt or low-fat milk to keep them creamy but lower in fat.
Roast potatoes: Opt for sweet potatoes with skins and use extra virgin olive oil.
Desserts: Reduce sugar in recipes and enhance flavours with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla. Try using stewed apples, dates or mashed bananas as sweeteners.
Don’t forget portion control.
It’s easy to overindulge when the table is laden with tempting dishes. Use smaller plates to help manage portions and take the time to savour each bite. Start with smaller servings—you can always return for seconds if you’re still hungry.
Create healthier snacks and appetisers.
Instead of relying on calorie-dense and UPF snacks like chips and creamy dips, opt for lighter and less processed options:
Veggie platters: Serve with hummus, guacamole, or a yogurt-based dip.
Cheese and nut boards: Pair small amounts of cheese with whole-grain crackers, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Festive skewers: For a colourful, crowd-pleasing appetiser, assemble skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
Choose dark chocolate over milk or white.
Stay hydrated- embrace the festive spirit with healthier drinks
Amid the champagne, cocktails and eggnog, don’t forget to drink water. If plain water feels too dull, infuse it with slices of citrus fruits, cucumber, or festive herbs like mint and rosemary.
Holiday drinks are often calorie bombs, but you can lighten them up:
- Swap heavy cream in eggnog for almond, cashew or oat milk.
- Choose mulled wine over sugary cocktails.
- Make hot chocolate with dark cocoa and honey instead of pre-made mixes.
For Festive Mocktails, take a look at our free Christmas recipe eBook. (https://www.gicanutrition.co.uk)
Indulge mindfully.
If you love holiday treats, enjoy them—but do so mindfully. Instead of grazing, serve yourself a portion, sit down, and relish it without distractions. This approach makes treats more satisfying and reduces the likelihood of overindulging.
Keep Active.
Counterbalance festive feasting with fun physical activities. After Christmas dinner, go for a walk, try a holiday-themed workout, or engage in winter activities like ice skating or sledging. Movement keeps your metabolism active and helps you feel energised.
Remember what matters most.
While food is a big part of Christmas, the real joy comes from spending time with loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating memories. Shift your focus to connection and gratitude, and the pressure around food will naturally ease.
With these tips, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas meals while nourishing your body and mind. A balanced approach can give you the best of both worlds. Cheers to a healthy, happy, and delicious Christmas!
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