Yes you can eat all the trimmings!
Clever hacks to let you enjoy Christmas treats without resorting to the elasticated waistband... Roast potatoes Bread sauce
Fed up of the post-festive guilt, but don’t want to deprive yourself? We’ve worked out how to make Christmas both happy and healthy – just stick to the portion sizes and smart swaps below.
Cranberry sauce
Make your own and swap sugar for a little honey or a sweetener. One portion = 2tsp
Sausages in bacon
try low-fat sausages in bacon with the fat trimmed. better still, switch the sausages for vegetarian ones. One portion = two sausages
Brussels sprouts
steam sprouts rather than frying to retain their nutrients. swap bacon and butter for lemon zest or fresh herbs. One portion = 180g
Turkey
Prick the meat before cooking so fat can drain, remove the skin after, and go for lower-calorie breast meat. One portion = 200g (about fist-size)
Stuffing
Replace breadcrumbs with quinoa, or try a fruit-and-nut-based stuffing. For a meaty taste, try vegetarian sausages. One portion = 1 tbsp
Parsnips
this sweet side can add calories, so limit the honey or try a parsnip mash instead of honey-roasting them. One portion = two parsnips baste with olive or coconut oil rather than duck fat and leave skins on. larger potatoes will soak up less fat. One portion = two or three potatoes
Carrots
avoid using too much butter or oil when roasting. alternatively, steam to lock in the goodness. One portion = 130g
Gravy
use the turkey juices but drain the fat away first – pour the juices into a jug and let the fat rise to the top.
One portion = 2tbsp swap butter, cream or full-fat milk for low-fat or skimmed. For flavour, add in a garlic clove or low-fat sour cream. One portion = 1tbsp
Drinks
opt for a dry white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, or if you fancy fizz, choose Cava over Prosecco. w&h