By Amanda. Amanda is a prolific writer on health and lifestyle for national magazines – as well as Editor of UK Health Radio and contributor to the Jeremy Vine show.
Christmas is a time for great fun and great food but… the average Christmas day spread comes in at a belly busting 7000 calories!
For some people, taking on this staggering amount of calories in one sitting is simply not something they can do. Diabetics in particular need to take care; but all of us could really do with making a few sensible choices, even if it is Christmas.
Christmas compromise
We thought you might like to think about a couple of these more healthy alternatives to your Christmas day feast. There are some quick fixes that any of us could do:
- Eating more fruit and veg alongside the other goodies
- Eating smaller portions (yes even on Christmas day!)
- Grilling instead of frying
- Go for the healthy snack (crudities and nuts) rather than the calorie-laden alternatives.
Diabetic or not your blood glucose is going to take a hit during the festive season as you take in all those calories so try to take it easy and avoid bingeing on those mince pies and pigs in blankets.
And it’s never a good idea to be so stuffed that you rival the turkey – or eat so much that you make yourself feel sick.
Top Tip – Above all, listen to your body and stop when you have had enough.
Keep moving
It can be tempting to sit in front of the TV for the Christmas period being fed treats like a beached whale, but moving about and taking a nice walk will help you to combat those extra calories that are lying in wait for you.
Surviving the big day
Even when the Christmas dinner is on the table there are still things that you can do without spoiling the festivity of the day. The turkey itself, with its light meat, offers a low calorie alternative – but stay away from the skin because that is the highest calorie culprit of all.
Who doesn’t love a pig in a blanket?
Yes we know, but don’t despair. Just use the lower calorie cocktail sausage wrapped in lean back bacon. Grill instead of fry or roast and drain the fat and two or three of these little lovelies will be fine. Result!
When you are preparing your roast potatoes for dinner try using less fat in cooking or use a low-cal spray to coat them and use a vegetarian stuffing to save some more calories.
Top Tip – Christmas veggies are great and if you fill your plate with two-fifths vegetables, preferably boiled or steamed, you can eat enough to feel full.
Sweet temptation
Can’t resist a mince pie?
Try making them without a lid and use single cream instead of double. Make custard for that Christmas pud with skimmed instead of full fat milk.
We would not be so mean as to deny you a drink over Christmas, but try alternating the booze with some soft sugar-free drinks or plain water.
Your body will thank you for it!
Oh, and don’t forget – have a great Christmas!
