Navigating a traditional Christmas spread can be a nightmare for a slimmer. What are the best options? How much should I have?
Much of the traditional Christmas fare is laden with fat. Here’s my guide to healthy Christmas feasting to take the guesswork out of Christmas meal choices.
Let’s look at the fat count of an average day’s food on Christmas Day
If you have a baked dinner, Christmas pudding with cream, 5 scorched almonds, a handful of peanuts, cashews and chocolate coated nuts and one piece of Chrissy cake your fat count could be anything up to 125g of fat for the day. Yes, it really does add up.
Be aware of what you’re putting into your mouth and even though it may seem like a good idea at the time, you know you’ll be filled with regret if you overdo it on the day. I know that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the chocolates and nuts but all I am saying is to make wise choices. Moderation is vital!
The recommended total daily fat intake for someone wanting to lose up to 15 kilos is around 30g for a female and 40g for a male. Below is a guide to making healthy choices and as I said before, moderation is the key to success over Christmas.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FOOD |
TOTAL FAT PER SERVE |
TURKEY BREAST baked/lean, 100g |
3.0g |
PORK LEG, roasted with fat, 100g |
14.0g |
PORK LEG, roasted lean 100g |
3.5g |
CRACKLING 30g |
8.5g |
LEG HAM lean 50g |
3.5g |
CHICKEN BREAST no skin 100g |
2.0g |
CHRISTMAS CAKE 160g slice |
24.0g |
SYMPLY TOO GOOD CHRISTMAS CAKE |
1.4g |
Christmas Day nibblies
One of the biggest problems on Christmas Day are the nibblies. With platters of lollies and nuts all around, it’s easy to snack without thinking. Grabbing a handful every time you walk by can wreak havoc with the waistline.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS NIBBLIES |
TOTAL FAT PER SERVE |
FRUIT MINCE PIE – 1 homemade |
10.0g |
CREAM – 3 tbsp |
21.0g |
CHOCOLATE COATED PEANUTS – 30g |
13.5g |
ALMONDS – 4 chocolate coated |
10.0g |
CASHEW NUTS – small handful |
10.0g |
PEANUTS – small handful |
8.0g |
MIXED NUTS – 30g |
17.0g |
My suggestions for healthier options
HEALTHY CHRISTMAS NIBBLIES |
TOTAL FAT PER SERVE |
PRETZELS – handful |
under 1.0g |
POPCORN – dry microwaved |
under 1.0g |
SALSA WITH CRUDITÉS AND RICE CRACKERS |
under 1.0g |
LOW FAT DIPS Book 4 |
approx 0.5g |
FRUIT PLATTER filled with seasonal fruits |
under 1.0g |
SYMPLY TOO GOOD MINCE PIE Book 2 |
2.0g |
SYMPLE SWEET CREAM Book 3 |
0.6g |
MARSHMALLOW & FRUIT BUBBLE BAR |
1.1g |
A few final tips for Christmas feasting
Having a healthy attitude will go a long way on Christmas Day. To avoid a blow out on the day, choose mostly low fat nibblies and have just a few of the high fat choices. Have enough to satisfy you but don’t overdo it and don’t sit near all that tempting food, if possible sit with your back to the food.
Drink lots of water as this will keep you hydrated and make you less inclined to nibble for the sake of it.
There’s no need to deprive yourself, you can still be healthy and enjoy the Christmas fare. As long as you make the right choices and don’t overdo it Christmas can be an enjoyable time for slimmers. In the end, Christmas is not just about food, it’s about being with family and friends and celebrating your religious faith.
Excerpt taken from my Christmas Survival eBook.
Want guilt-free Christmas recipes? Check out the Christmas section in Book 2.
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