Christmas is often filled with fond memories of years gone. However we do not want memories of “the Christmas where I gained weight and could not fit into my clothes anymore”. Here are our top tips to make this another memorable Christmas for all the right reasons.
Some people go to incredible lengths to create some amazing food this time of year, such as homemade rum balls, plum puddings and Christmas themed cupcakes. Others purchase foods they would not typically fit into the weekly grocery budget (eg. prawns). However, take a look at what is on offer in the shops or what’s on the table at the Christmas party – some of it is likely to be potato crisps or other highly processed Christmas sweets that are really not that special.
How can they make 6 x fruit mince pies for $1.50? They mass produce them with lots of oil, sugar and preservatives! This is the exact opposite of a homemade Christmas shortbread or handmade fruit mince pie. You are better off having a taste of the best, rather than a 6 pack of a cheap imitation. You are more likely to savour it and remember it when it’s of a high quality as well. Therefore if chocolate is your thing, have a little high quality chocolate and savour it but leave the bowl of cheap chocolate coated almonds at the party.
Supermarkets must cringe at how much extra food they have to pack onto the shelves at this time of year. Amazingly though 95% of it would sell before Christmas! Our metabolism does not magically increase at this time of year. So if you’re shopping for a Christmas party ask yourself “do I really need that extra packet of biscuits, lollies, chips, cheese, chocolates, nuts….?” We all want to be generous hosts, but people are often more impressed by the quality rather than the quantity of our foods. This also helps to ensure we don’t have large amounts of tempting food leftover in the fridge or pantry after a party.
Also, don’t be tempted by all the ‘cheap’ markdowns that are 50% off in after Christmas sales. These are a trap and combined with the relaxing week between Christmas and New Year, these foods often get mindlessly eaten as extra foods.
Don’t let anyone tell you what to eat and what not to eat. Christmas will not be any more special if you cram down one more fruit mince pie. Be assertive and do not let comments like “but it’s Christmas” or “I made this especially for you” change your feelings. Keep in tune with your hunger levels and if you are content or full then let that next plate of Christmas goodies pass by. Especially when you know there will possibly be other Christmas functions for you attend that will offer more of these foods.
Here are some healthy swaps to make for popular Christmas foods.
| Foods to Choose More often over Christmas | Foods to Limit More often over Christmas |
|---|---|
| Fresh or grilled seafood | Deep fried seafood |
| Cold lean hams, turkeys and barbequed lean meats such as trimmed rump steak & chicken breast | Fatty meats such as salamis, sausages, pork crackling |
| Vegetable sticks for dipping Oven baked pita chips Air popped popcorn | Chips, Corn chips |
| Pretzels, rice crackers, rice crisps Small handful of unsalted nuts and dried fruit Small serve of low fat home made dips | Salted nuts (whilst they are OK for cholesterol, they are high in calories) Creamy or oily dips |
| Baguettes, focaccia or bread or bread rolls | Garlic Bread |
| Fruit salad or fruit kebabs Fresh Fruit | Large pieces of cheesecake, mud cake, caramel tarts or anything topped with copious quantities of cream! |
| Open sandwiches, kebabs, fresh seafood Rice paper rolls or sushi | Deep fried savouries, quiches, cheerios, kabana |
| Low fat dips and rice crackers, water crackers or vegetable sticks | Creamy dips and oily bread or crackers |
| Fresh salads with low calorie dressings | Creamy dressings with salads |
Hopefully this article helps you think differently about your food choices and this helps you plan, shop and celebrate Christmas this year.
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