Christmas is often a time of indulgence and unnecessary
over-consumption. Often by 3pm on the 25th of December, buttons are
straining and stomachs are over-extended, working overtime to digest
that huge volume of food you’ve swallowed. The irony lies at the fact
that all that one has to gain from all this indulgence is stomach pain,
acid reflux and a few extra kilograms.
“If you’re the Christmas cook this year, why not make the festive season more sensible with a wholesome Christmas feast. We’re not talking about being the Grinch and serving wheatgrass smoothies and raw veggies, but making small healthy changes to your traditional meal might not be as difficult as you think,” says Discovery Vitality Dietician Marieke Loubser.
Just because it’s a healthier option, doesn’t mean it has to be tasteless, colourless and boring or that you will be left hungry. Start with healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts, raw crudités with low-fat hummus, lean biltong and unsalted popcorn with chilli powder. It’s always good to have large jugs of iced water with lemon, strawberries or mint on the table so people can easily help themselves.
When it comes to the main course, skinned turkey is actually a fairly lean meat but it can get dry which is why people tend to drown it in salty gravy. Ensure you keep your bird moist when cooking with a great homemade stock. Aim to serve only one starch, such as potatoes, wholewheat bread or wild rice.
Brighten up the meal and serve up a variety of brightly coloured vegetables from roasted peppers to boiled peas. Don’t forget salads are a great place to add fruit such as sliced apples, peaches, grapes or orange segments, and even some raw vegetables such as broccoli, chickpeas or carrots.
“Eating smaller and healthier portions does not take away from the festivities of the day, but it will take away from that bloated lethargy, straining waistband and extra kilograms!” adds Loubser.
This year, aim to enjoy your Christmas meal without the guilt. All you need is a smaller serving plate and to dish up in the kitchen. Eating off a smaller plate often leads to eating smaller portions while still feeling satisfied, as your plate is full of food. Keeping the dishing up to the kitchen or a sideboard rather than on the table, means you’re less likely to keep picking after you’re finished or opt for seconds without thinking about it – it takes effort to get up from the table and serve up more food.
“Devouring a delicious but healthy meal and engaging in portion control this Christmas will help drop the New Year’s resolution of weight loss that is on your list every year,” concludes Loubser.
“If you’re the Christmas cook this year, why not make the festive season more sensible with a wholesome Christmas feast. We’re not talking about being the Grinch and serving wheatgrass smoothies and raw veggies, but making small healthy changes to your traditional meal might not be as difficult as you think,” says Discovery Vitality Dietician Marieke Loubser.
Just because it’s a healthier option, doesn’t mean it has to be tasteless, colourless and boring or that you will be left hungry. Start with healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts, raw crudités with low-fat hummus, lean biltong and unsalted popcorn with chilli powder. It’s always good to have large jugs of iced water with lemon, strawberries or mint on the table so people can easily help themselves.
Starters
Starters are a great place to throw in some salad items, so opt for a tomato pesto and fat-free cream cheese layered starter or a melon, feta and rocket salad.When it comes to the main course, skinned turkey is actually a fairly lean meat but it can get dry which is why people tend to drown it in salty gravy. Ensure you keep your bird moist when cooking with a great homemade stock. Aim to serve only one starch, such as potatoes, wholewheat bread or wild rice.
Brighten up the meal and serve up a variety of brightly coloured vegetables from roasted peppers to boiled peas. Don’t forget salads are a great place to add fruit such as sliced apples, peaches, grapes or orange segments, and even some raw vegetables such as broccoli, chickpeas or carrots.
Dessert
Steer away from the traditional Christmas pudding, serve healthy alternative desserts such as a fruit platter or, for a more fun take, fruit kebabs, served with low-fat crème fraiche or plain yoghurt. If a pudding or Christmas cake is an absolute must, serve small portions, and skip a cheese board or chocolates for after.“Eating smaller and healthier portions does not take away from the festivities of the day, but it will take away from that bloated lethargy, straining waistband and extra kilograms!” adds Loubser.
This year, aim to enjoy your Christmas meal without the guilt. All you need is a smaller serving plate and to dish up in the kitchen. Eating off a smaller plate often leads to eating smaller portions while still feeling satisfied, as your plate is full of food. Keeping the dishing up to the kitchen or a sideboard rather than on the table, means you’re less likely to keep picking after you’re finished or opt for seconds without thinking about it – it takes effort to get up from the table and serve up more food.
Alcohol
Also, avoid or at least limit alcohol consumption, as drinking alcohol not only piles on the kilos, but tends to make you eat more. If you do drink, alternate one non-alcoholic beverage for every alcoholic one.“Devouring a delicious but healthy meal and engaging in portion control this Christmas will help drop the New Year’s resolution of weight loss that is on your list every year,” concludes Loubser.
