It’s approaching the end of the year, and we’ve been filling your inboxes with lots of tips on how to stay healthy every month throughout 2020. Well why stop there?! December is a notoriously tough month for foodies with a vast array of unhealthy foods including cakes, chocolate and sweets filling the shopping aisles and restaurant menus. But Christmas doesn’t have to be so unhealthy. We wouldn’t be doing our job as Osteopaths if we didn’t give you a bit of dietary advice on healthy foods to ensure your festive season doesn’t leave you feeling rock bottom come January.

We’ve compiled a list of super healthy foods that you can try and sneak on to the dining table this Christmas to ensure the whole family get a nutritious boost, to counter some of those naughty calories that are likely to make it in their bellies this season.

Turkey

We’ll start with one for the meat eaters. If you’re looking for a healthy option for the table on Christmas Day then turkey is a great choice. Many people opt for chicken when it comes to a roast dinner, but both birds hold similar nutritional values when it comes to protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Turkey meat, especially white turkey meat, is slightly leaner than white chicken meat, and is overall less calorific. Every little bit helps!

Cranberries

What goes better with turkey than cranberry sauce? Nothing, right?! It’s good to know that cranberries are super healthy, like all berries. We’re going to give you a tip though… Make your own sauce! Yes, it will take longer than going to the supermarket to buy it off the shelf, but the end result will be so much more satisfying, and healthy! Sauce from the supermarket is loaded with sugar and preservatives. Buy them fresh, search out a recipe online and get cooking up a storm. You can choose to put in less sugar and end up with a tasty sauce to accompany your meat that is full of vitamins and minerals. Boom!

Sweet Potato

If you’re anything like our households, there will probably be various types of potato hitting the tablecloth… Mashed, roasted, dauphinoise (ooh, fancy!).

How about substituting your normal potatoes with sweet potatoes? The sweetness of sweet potatoes brings any plate of food alive without the need for lots of butter, which we know is not great for the arteries. Mash or roast like you would a normal potato.

These potatoes are excellent sources of fibre and antioxidants, including beta-carotene which is vital for good brain, skin, hair and eye health. No brainer! Or should we say, big brainer!

Chestnuts

These roasting on an open fire with Jack Frost nipping at your nose… Nat King Cole hits the nail on the head with this one. Chestnuts are Christmas in a food (see photo), and if you haven’t tried them before, this year is the year! Chestnuts are low in saturated fats and high in fibre and taste amazing! Crumble them over your stuffing or add them to your carrots or brussels sprouts to give them a lovely crunch. These will help keep the bowels moving on those lazy days.

Give these a try and you’ll ensure Christmas stays healthy this year. There are so many foods to bring to the table. Keep the table full of healthy fruits and vegetables all season and you can’t go wrong. And remember to drink water! Lots of water. Pretty please!

Stay safe everyone and have a wonderful time!

References

1. 2018. Turkey vs Chicken: Which Has More Protein? [Online]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turkey-vs-chicken. [Accessed 04 Nov 2020]
2. Better Homes and Gardens. 2015. 6 Holiday Superfoods. [Online]. Available from: https://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/eating/holiday-superfoods/. [Accessed 04 Nov 2020]
3. Jamie Oliver. 2015. 12 days of Christmas super food. [Online]. Available from: https://www.jamieoliver.com/features/christmas-super-foods/. [Accessed 04 Nov 2020]