Christmas is a time filled with family, presents, relaxing and food. Usually, our health takes a back seat over the festive period and that means we have to ourselves into gear come January, but this year we’ve got a complete guide on how to be healthy over Christmas.
Now we’re not expecting you to shun chocolates, mince pieces and the extra serving of bacon-wrapped sausages because we both know that isn’t going to happen. But this is about making better choices and being more aware so you’re not left feeling deflated and ten pounds heavier when it comes to December 31st.
We’ve already shared 25 ways to beat the bloat this Christmas, and here is our guide to the healthy foods to enjoy in abundance over Christmas and some simple fitness tips to adopt.
So, here’s our ultimate guide on how to be healthy over Christmas.
Healthy foods to enjoy in abundance this Christmas
Brussels sprouts
Many don’t like the sulphur smell they emit when cooked, but they’re excellent for you. Try steaming them to keep in their goodness and add nutmeg for Christmas twist. They're packed with vitamins C and K, have folic acid, calcium and magnesium too.
They can also help to avoid the mid-afternoon slump on Christmas Day, as they are packed with B Vitamins, essential for energy.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon reminds so many people of Christmas time, so get sprinkling this amazing herb. It has loads of antioxidants which help to fight free radical damage.
It can also help reduce your sugar cravings too. You can combine it with spinach or kale for a super shot of festive goodness.
Give your health a boost with these foods this Christmas
Nuts
Filled with essential fats, nuts make a great snack to have over the festive period. Plus the protein will help to keep your fuller for longer.
Just be mindful that they're high in calories, so you still have to be mindful of how many you eat. Avoid the ones coated in salt, sugar etc, choosing raw varieties were possible.
Turkey
Low in fat, low in calories and high in protein, fill your plate with plenty of turkey on Christmas day and beyond.
Turkey is also high in Selenium, which supports metabolism, Zinc that help to boost our immunity and vitamin B6 essential for energy production.
Mulled red wine
As if you need an excuse to have one ... The resveratrol found in red wine is an excellent antioxidant, .
It can not only protect you from damaging free radicals but it also boosts cell replication. By promoting a healthy, inflammatory response in our body it delays the premature ageing process and turns excess flab into calorie-burning ‘brown fat’.
Dr Sally Norton, Leading UK Health Expert and NHS Weight Loss Consultant & Surgeon and Founder of www.vavista.com shares her seasonal foods to eat full of health and weight loss benefits.
Apples
Whether it’s windfalls from the garden or a bag with your weekly shop, apples are in season and in abundance in autumn. A great on-the-go snack, packed with fibre to keep you feeling full and natural sugar for a little boost, they are also great pureed and used in place of sugar to sweeten any homebaked treats, with fewer calories.
Citrus fruits
The supermarkets are gearing up for Christmas and netted bags of satsumas are piled high. These pocket-sized powerhouses are full of vitamin C – and they come ready wrapped! Perfect for on-the-go snacking to keep cold season at bay. (Cranberries and pomegranates are in season and great sources of Vitamin C too).
Satsumas, clementines and tangerines are all in-season at this time of year