Festive alternatives to help you eat mindfully at Christmas
From roast potatoes to pigs in blankets, although Christmas is the gift-giving season, it’s the mouth watering traditional festive treats that most of us can’t wait for. However, Brits have been warned to take care of their gut this Christmas - as nine in ten report experiencing digestive issues over the festive season.
This inspired the fitness experts at Live Football Tickets to pull together their top healthier festive choices but without cutting out your favourite festive foods.
Tips on how to keep your festive meals and snacks nutritious and satisfying:
- When snacking on a cheese board on the big day, our expert recommends balancing indulgent cheeses with lighter options like goat cheese or ricotta!
- Ways to replace butter in Christmas cakes can be done by substituting for Greek yogurt or even mashed bananas.
- When plating up, it’s important to go heavy on the veggies, try to fill up half of your plate with vegetables to help you feel fuller and make your body feel good amidst the indulgence!
Maarten Zomerdijk, Co-CEO, at Live Football Tickets commented:“Eating mindfully at Christmas can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable, as Christmas offers plenty of opportunities to make festive foods healthier without sacrificing flavour or tradition.
“The abundance of festive food and drinks as well as the social aspect of the season makes it easy to overindulge, but taking a moment to truly savour the flavours and textures of your meals can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions.
“Staying hydrated is also essential, especially if you’re enjoying more rich or salty foods and festive drinks, as water helps you feel fuller and supports a healthy gut environment. Do allow yourself to enjoy your favourite holiday treats without guilt, as not only can this prevent feelings of restriction that often lead to overeating but enjoying the festivities is just as important for overall health as eating well.”
Christmas meals & sides
- Protein Choices:
- Turkey: Try to stick to lean turkey breast without the skin for a low-fat, high-protein option.
- Stuffing alternatives: Use whole-grain bread, chopped nuts, apples, or dried cranberries, and reduce the amount of butter.
- Healthier Roast Potatoes:
- Use a light drizzle of olive oil or spray for roasting.
- Opt for sweet potatoes or keep the skins on regular potatoes for that extra fibre intake.
- Roast with herbs such as rosemary or garlic for flavour instead of heavy fats.
- Vegetables:
- Roast a variety of vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and brussels sprouts with spices instead of butter.
- You could add a vibrant winter salad side that includes spinach, pomegranate seeds, roasted nuts, and a light vinaigrette.
- Gravy & Sauces:
- Skim off excess fat from gravy or use a vegetable-based stock.
- You could make a healthier cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, a touch of honey or orange juice instead of refined sugar.
Festive desserts & snacking
- Christmas Pudding Alternatives:
- Create or buy mini versions of your favourite puddings for smaller portions.
- If you’re making yourself, use whole-grain flour and natural sweeteners to tweak the traditional recipes.
- Lighter Treats:
- Spiced baked pears or apples: Stuff with oats, nuts, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
- Festive fruit salad: Combine oranges, kiwis, berries, and pomegranate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger - no one will object.
- Healthier Baking Ideas:
- To replace butter in cakes, try using Greek yogurt or mashed bananas.
- Include nuts, dried fruits, or even grated vegetables (like carrot or zucchini) in recipes for that added nutrients.
- Cheese Boards:
- Try using whole-grain crackers and fresh fruits like grapes, figs, or apple slices.
- Balance indulgent cheeses with lighter options like goat cheese or ricotta.
- Festive Nuts:
- Skip sugary coatings and opt for spiced roasted nuts with cinnamon, paprika, or rosemary.
Christmas drinks
- Hot Drinks:
- Make hot chocolate with cocoa powder, almond or oat milk, and a touch of maple syrup instead of sugar and cream.
- Brew mulled tea with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise for a warming non-alcoholic option.
- Alcohol Tips:
- For festive fizz, mix prosecco or sparkling wine with a splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice.
- Limit creamy cocktails like eggnog or use almond milk for a lighter version.
Maarten Zomerdijk also added: “To help eat mindfully on Christmas day, we suggest eating a healthy breakfast like porridge with added fruits to help keep your energy up and curb overindulging later on in the day.
“Pace yourself by eating slower and savouring the flavours as this will help you not overeat. If you’re struggling on the day, try to go heavy on the veggies, fill half your plate with vegetables at your main meal, not only will this help you stay full, but it will make your body feel good amidst the indulgence.
“By tweaking traditional Christmas recipes and adding vibrant, nutrient-rich options, you can enjoy a festive feast that's both delicious and healthy!”
