If you are looking for some delicious but not deadly Christmas menu ideas, here are some that balance light and healthy with rich and satisfying. You can have the best of both worlds and not end Christmas day feeling like a beached whale.
[This is a guest post by Wendy Hodge, founder of Wendy’s Way to Health. Wendy is a nutrition coach and healthy lifestyle blogger, promoting moderation and a common sense approach to diet and exercise. You’ll find lots of delicious, healthy recipes on her website. Wendy has more Christmas tips here.]
I’d like to start by reassuring you that this post is actually about enjoying the Festive Season, without it making too much of an impact on your waistline. I’m going to make a few suggestions about how you can eat, drink and be merry whilst keeping weight gain to a minimum, that’s all!
Start your planning by thinking about alcohol consumption
The party season is now well and truly under way, so let’s deal with the easiest over indulgence first; alcohol. I’m not going to tell you not to drink because alcohol (along with food) is a big part of how we celebrate when we get together with family and friends.
The good intentions we have before a night out though, often go out the window once we’ve had a drink and start to relax and enjoy ourselves. Not to mention the “go on, just have one more” encouragement from our friends.
The best thing you can do if you are really worried about having too many champagnes, is make sure you have also lots of water. You’ll drink less, it’ll keep you hydrated and make sure you feel okay the morning after too!
Being the designated driver is probably the best way to remove the temptation of alcohol, but don’t replace it with fizzy drinks. Try mineral water flavoured with fruit slices instead.
Christmas menu ideas that keep you feeling healthy
Now let’s move on to food! There are a lot of foods we eat at Christmas time that we don’t usually eat throughout the year. I think this is one of the biggest reasons that people over indulge and it’s actually not that difficult to overcome, once you know how.
My number 1 tip for Christmas Day: ditch the all-you-can-eat buffet mentality. You know what I mean – where people pile their plates sky high and go back for seconds and thirds, not because they’re hungry, but to ‘get their money’s worth’.
Christmas is a great time to indulge in special, once-a-year foods. When you think about it though, is overeating to the point of feeling sick really the best way to truly appreciate them?
The trick here is simple – just eat a little bit less. Don’t over fill your plate, chew each mouthful slowly and take the time to savour and really enjoy the flavours. When you eat slowly you give your body time to let you know when you’re truly full. You’ll be able to naturally stop when you’ve had enough.
There are lots of other little things you can do to make sure you’re eating the best quality food. Cooking your own food is always preferable to buying packaged convenience foods and junk food, we all know that. We just need to plan ahead.
Try these ideas when planning your Christmas dishes
I’ve listed some easy examples below:
- Crackers – you can make your own crackers to go with cheeses and dips. They’re really easy and these ones are gluten free as well.
- Dips – make your dips, they’re really easy too. Try these ideas
- Crostini – I make crostini from sweet potato slices and top them with red onion, avocado & tomato. They’re so yum!
- Veggie chips – again, it’s really easy to make your own chips. Forget kale, I’m talking about potato, sweet potato, zucchini, beetroot, whatever you like. Try these vegetable chip recipes
- Buy raw nuts. Nuts are full of healthy fats and are really good for us (think small handfuls) but not so great when they’re roasted with vegetable oils and sprinkled with cheap salt.
- Make your own puddings, cakes, biscuits, tarts, etc and use good quality, wholesome ingredients. Try Retiring not Shy’s Pinterest Board for ideas.
Keep room for some favourite treats when planning your Christmas dishes
As I said earlier, I think you should be able to indulge a little bit at Christmas, it’s just a matter of using some common sense to not go overboard.
I live a pretty healthy lifestyle and I think I eat really well. However, I’ve learned from my own trial and error that some things just shouldn’t be tampered with. Like traditional shortbread. A couple of years ago, I tried making it with Stevia, but we really didn’t like the Stevia aftertaste.
And my Mum’s trifle. It’s one of my favourite things, ever. Mum’s no longer with us, so my sister continues to make the trifle for us at Christmas. Because its full of cream and custard, it’s very rich, so I can’t eat very much of it. I have a small portion and I think I enjoy the memories it brings as much as anything.
So thank you for allowing me to share my ideas about enjoying the Festive Season. I hope you all have a great Christmas with your loved ones and a safe and Happy New Year.
Read this post for some great Christmas gift ideas
What strategies do you have to avoid excesses at Christmas time? Do you have some tips to share or do you just enjoy the day and deal with the consequences (if any) later?
Karin @ Calm to Conniption | 03rd December 2016 at 8:28 pm
I am a little bit about just enjoying the day and dealing with any excess later. Those crostini look delicious!
sammie@theannoyedthyroid.com | 03rd December 2016 at 2:50 pm
As there’s only two of us, we like to break the rules of the traditional Christmas feast and eat a little of what we fancy. I like to drink a glass of water for every glass of wine – I think that balances out everything nicely. I like to prepare as much food as I can from scratch, and Christmas time is no exception. I love the idea of the sweet potato crostini – I’m definitely going to give it a go!
Wendy | 03rd December 2016 at 3:55 pm
Oooh, lovely Sammie, you sound very organised! Please let me know what you think of the crostini 🙂
Sanch Living Life | 03rd December 2016 at 7:35 am
I need to approach this Christmas with this in mind especially as this year hasn’t been a great one in terms of my diet and exercise! Good tips there. I don’t drink too much as I’m usually happy with a couple of glasses of wine. Food is where I can occasionally go crazy!
Wendy | 03rd December 2016 at 8:29 am
Hope it helps Sanch. Having a plan is always good so you don’t go too crazy!
Kat or @AnAussieInSF | 03rd December 2016 at 6:54 am
So my issue with “not overloading the plate” won’t happen this year because I’m far away from friends and family. But when I have Christmas at home with my bajillion aunties, uncles and cousins, it’s a must. We all bring a salad and a dessert and some take offence if you don’t try theirs. 🙁
Wendy | 03rd December 2016 at 8:26 am
It’s quite a different experience to be away from home at this time of year, we had a few ‘orphan’ Christmases when we lived in the UK – lots of fun tho. If you get a break from the well meaning rellies this year, you’ll probably appreciate them more when you get home Kat!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit | 03rd December 2016 at 5:44 am
I like the idea of sweet potato instead of bread.
Not overloading the plate is the key. Less is more. Check.
#TeamLovinLife
writeofthemiddle | 02nd December 2016 at 11:35 pm
Some great suggestions here Wendy! I really need to watch what I eat this Christmas (and when I’m on the cruise). There is always so much food to tempt me! Unfortunately we have huge family occasions (lunch with his family, dinner with mine) where the catering is beyond my control (prepared by others with a contribution from me) so a lot of self restraint is required! Loving the look of that Crostini! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
Wendy | 03rd December 2016 at 8:17 am
Yep, finding some balance does require a little bit of self control! A cruise sounds blissful, hope you enjoy Min xx
Kathy Marris | 02nd December 2016 at 4:22 pm
I really like the idea of Christmas crostini. It looks delicious and a great alternative to using a break stick. I adore Christmas food but normally don’t over indulge too much. I like to pace myself!
Wendy | 02nd December 2016 at 5:15 pm
Yep, I think we all love the Christmas food don’t we Kathy and the celebrations seem to start earlier and earlier every year! I always try to have healthy options when it’s possible, but they have to taste great too 🙂
Deborah | 02nd December 2016 at 3:01 pm
I like the moderate approach as well. I’m a bit too ‘all or nothing’ usually and have that ‘last supper’ approach to binges and holidays, but planning ahead and accepting / expecting what’s coming is important.
I’m hosting some stuff this year so am making notes!!! #teamlovinlife
Wendy | 02nd December 2016 at 5:22 pm
I think planning is definitely the key to not over doing things Deborah. Being realistic, knowing that you will indulge and planning for it makes it much easier. And hosting parties means you decide what you’re serving, so it’s a great way to stay in control too!
LydiaCLee | 02nd December 2016 at 6:51 am
I’m more of the enough is okay, too much is better camp, but I have to say I’ve over extended myself a little. I’ve cancelled a few plans because I’m out too much and tired and stressed….Just looking forward to Jan when it all stops!
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 02nd December 2016 at 10:48 am
Good for you cancelling some things Lydia, it can get all a bit much. I think we all need an advent calendar that reminds us each day to do something for ourselves. I hope you get some relaxation time in January.
Wendy | 02nd December 2016 at 10:32 am
Yes, Lydia it’s definitely an exhausting time of year! Makes you appreciate the simplicity when things get back to ‘normal.’
sue | 28th November 2016 at 5:35 pm
Love the post and it is easy to go overboard at Christmas that is for sure. I’ll be trying out some of the recommended nibbles and the crostini look delicious. Thanks!
Wendy | 28th November 2016 at 8:38 pm
Glad you enjoyed it Sue! The crostini are definitely delicious, I hope you enjoy 🙂