THE BEST HEALTHY ADVENT CALENDARS

COUNTING down to Christmas? Here are some more virtuous alternatives — some could even be good for you!

Hotel Chocolat 100% Dark

€14 THIS festive calendar is filled with solid reindeer, snowmen and penguins made with 100% dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants as well as flavanols that lower blood pressure. A study found that eating it five times a week reduced an overweight person’s risk of a heart attack.

The Big Chilli Advent Calendar

€40, souschef.co.uk EACH sachet provides a different chilli — in whole form or as flakes and powders. Chilli contains capsicum, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Pukka Tea Advent Calendar

€8.75, nourish.ie LET the countdown to Christmas begin with this perfect gift for the herbal tea aficionado. This Advent calendar is filled with a selection of the finest organic herbal teas from the Pukka Tea range.

Bluebird Tea Co. Christmas Tea Advent Calendar

€41, bluebirdteaco.com BEHIND each of the 24 doors is a tea-themed gift including silk pyramid tea bags of limited edition blends such as Snowball and Christmas Cake.

Cocoa+ High Protein Chocolate Calendar

€4.99, Holland & Barrett and cocoa.plus WITH a more traditional feel, this calendar gives you 35g of protein per calendar; protein keeps you fuller for longer. It is made with 55% cocoa, so you get some of the benefits of dark chocolate without the bitterness, but with less sugar than standard chocolate bars. It is also high fibre with 8.7g per 100g and gluten-free.

Advent Calendar

€6.99, myprotein.ie FOR the serious gym fanatic in your life, this calendar includes 24 treats made with cocoa butter and whey protein, said to help build muscle and strength. And for extra Christmas cheer, each one is free from artificial ingredients!