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In the run up to Christmas it’s easy to descend into a negative mind set about the calorific challenge of the season.
December can seem like a non-stop test of willpower – you’re hoping to fit into that fabulous outfit at New Year but you’re being offered food treats wherever you turn, and opportunities to drink alcohol increase exponentially as invitations to meet up for drinks and attend office parties pile up.
But in order to bring about a little balance, I’d like to sing the praises of some healthy Christmas foods. Here are a few things which you don’t have to feel guilty about eating:
Nuts
I know nuts are high in calories, but they are good calories. With those calories you get good fats, protein, vitamins and fibre.
The fat in nuts is mainy polyunsaturated, omega-3 fat. This can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of a number of different diseases.
The fibre in nuts also helps to lower cholesterol, and it maintains healthy bowel functions and helps to control blood sugars.
One of the key vitamins in nuts is Vitamin E – this is a powerful anti-oxidant, which contributes to skin health, strengthens the immune system and is also thought to reduce the risks of coronary disease.
So help yourself to a handful of nuts – just make sure they aren’t salted!
Turkey
There’s no way you’ll get through the season without eating at least one portion of turkey, but try to eat it often. Turkey is a great, lean source of protein. It provides folic acid, B vitamins, zinc and potassium.
And when you sit down to Christmas lunch make sure the ratio of turkey to carbohydrate sources on your plate is high – the higher the proportion of protein in the meal, the better for the stability of your blood sugar levels, helping ward off Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.
And eat the leftovers on Boxing Day too – you can’t eat too much protein!
Satsumas
Satsumas are full of Vitamin C, along with fibre, the benefits of which I have already mentioned above. They also have potassium which helps with a variety of things including heart function and digestive health, and copper, which helps with absorption of iron and protects blood vessels and nerves.
All that for around 25 calories!
Brussels Sprouts
I do have to admit a certain amount of bias here – I absolutely love Brussels sprouts. And knowing that they are nutritional powerhouses make me love them even more.
Firstly, they are another great source of fibre, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. You might be surprised though that they also contain good omega-3 fats.
Being a cruciferous vegetable, sprouts also contain phytochemicals which may help reduce inflammatory conditions, help with detoxification and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems.
So make sure you eat your greens!
Smoked Salmon
As an oily fish, smoked salmon has already had quite a bit of good press over the past few years – and rightly so. Once again, like our other Christmas food heroes, it provides protein, healthy fats and Vitamin E.
It’s thought that omega-3 fats may help lift your mood, so starting the day with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs could not only provide a nutritious meal which will keep blood sugar levels stable, but it may also brighten up your day if eaten on a regular basis.
So if you find yourself feeling guilty about eating some of the less healthy foods on offer this Christmas, congratulate yourself that you’ve also topped up your fibre, omega-3, vitamin and protein levels.
And try to incorporate some of these healthy Christmas foods into your diet all year round – you won’t go far wrong with a diet which mainly consists of lean protein, good fats, green vegetables and citrus fruits.
Author Bio
Joanne Henson is a health & wellness coach, and author of “What’s Your Excuse…..For Not Getting Fit?”
Joanne overcame her own obstacles to get fit and healthy and now she works with clients on a one to one basis to inspire and support them as they become the fitter, leaner, happier people they’ve always wanted to be.
Find out more about Joanne at www.joannehenson.co.uk
