Avoiding christmas kilos

Avoiding the Christmas Kilos

At Christmas we’re all tempted to indulge a little too much. It’s a challenging time to embrace healthy foods as we often fear dampening the occasion without all the extras.

However with planning and a few tweaks to your Christmas menu, you can stay in good health white enjoying the festivities.

Nibbles

Start with platters of fruit, vegetables, unsalted nuts and rice paper rolls.

Serve with homemade dips/salsa and oven baked pita chips.

Avoid deep fried quiches, kabana and cheese and Jatz.

Main meals

Fill your plate with colourful salads dressed with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and herbs. Avoid potato or pasta salads and creamy dressings. Prawns, oysters and fish are great low calorie protein options, as well as lean turkey, ham and skinless chicken. A grainy bread roll or wrap can be a great accompaniment. Make sure there is plenty of mineral water infused with fresh fruit, mint and plenty of ice to quench your thirst.

Dessert

Skip the plum pudding and take advantage of seasonal summer fruits served as fruit skewers or in a fruit salad. The traditional trifle can be spruced by using lots of fresh berries and low-fat custard and diet jelly. When it comes to the beloved pavlova, fill individual shells with fresh fruit topped with Greek yoghurt instead of cream. Remember to enjoy the company of family and friends with a side of food, rather than making food your focus. Merry Christmas!