The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. While it's easy to get caught up in the indulgence of festive treats, making mindful choices can help you enjoy the season without compromising on health or flavour. Here are some tips to navigate the holiday feasts in a healthy, happy way.
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Start with a Healthy Breakfast: Begin your day with a nutritious breakfast. A high-protein, fibre-rich meal such as Greek yoghurt with berries and nuts or a veggie omelette can keep you full and reduce the temptation to overindulge later.
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Hydrate Wisely: Keep yourself well-hydrated with water or (caffeine free) herbal teas. Often, we mistake thirst for hunger. Staying hydrated can help control appetite and aid digestion.
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Smart Swaps: Get creative with your recipes. Use Greek yoghurt instead of cream with your Christmas desserts, opt for whole grain over white flour for bread, rice and pasta, and consider using non-sugar sweeteners such as stevia or xylitol in place of sugar for puddings. These small tweaks can make a big difference to calories and added sugar too.
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Savour the Flavour: Eat slowly and savour each canape. It takes time for your brain to register fullness, so eating slowly can prevent overeating and enhance your enjoyment of the meal.
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Colour Your Plate: Fill half your plate with colourful vegetables like roasted carrots and Brussel sprouts. They are low in calories but high in nutrients and fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Mindful Portions: Enjoy your favourite holiday treats in moderation. It's okay to indulge in a slice of pie or a few cookies, but be mindful of portion sizes and have them with fruit to boost satisfaction.
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Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your holiday routine. A brisk walk, a dance session, or a fun family game can be great ways to stay active and balance out the extra holiday calories.
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Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're hungry but stop when you're comfortably full.
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Focus on Fellowship: Remember, the holidays are not just about food but also about spending quality time with loved ones. Enjoy the company and the conversation as much as the cuisine.
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Plan Ahead: If you know you'll be attending a party or dinner, plan your meals accordingly. Have a lighter lunch if you anticipate a heavier dinner.
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Healthy Snacking: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and cup up vegetables (with a healthy dip!) handy. They can curb hunger and prevent overeating during meal times.
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Relax and Enjoy: Finally, don’t stress too much about food. The holiday season is a time for relaxation and joy. Enjoy the festive treats, but balance them with healthy choices.
Remember, the key to healthy holiday eating is balance and moderation. By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the festive season to the fullest while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Healthier Apple Turnover Recipe
Ingredients (makes 6)
-3/4 of a regular sized sheet of puff pastry
-2 apples, sliced
-A drizzle of Maple syrup
-A sprinkle of Cinnamon
-A little brown sugar
Method
1️. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 200 degrees C
2️. Pour a small amount of maple syrup down each side of the baking tray (around 3 tsp altogether)
3️. Place 3-4 apple slices in six different sections on your baking tray and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4️. Slice your pastry into six square shapes and place on top of the apples. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
5️. Use milk or egg to glaze the top of the pastries then sprinkle approx 1/2 tsp of brown sugar and some cinnamon on top of each.
6️. Place into the oven to bake for ~18-20 minutes until golden on top.
7️. When cooled, carefully turn over the pastries and enjoy!
(Best served with vanilla ice cream or yoghurt!)
