As we all start to indulge over the festive season, it is good to know that there are some healthy choices out there. Many of the foods we eat at parties and on Christmas Day have significant nutritious value; it’s a question of knowing what to look for.

Here are some healthy options to pick:

Turkey –This Christmas staple is a highly nutritious choice of meat; a low fat source of protein, which is rich in the essential amino acid tryptophan; vital to create the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin.

 Brussels sprouts –Love them or loath them, sprouts are a rich source of nutrients including Vitamin C and folate.  They also contain powerful phytonutrients, which support the body’s detoxification enzymes, helping to clear potentially carcinogenic substances from the liver more quickly. The trick is not not overcook them – and  try serving with almond flakes.

 Nuts – A great protein snack to help you manage your blood sugar levels, and packed full of the essential fats, missing from so many of our modern day diets.  They are also packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre so make an excellent snack at Christmas time, so long as they’re not the roasted or salted versions!

Festive Fruits – Whether it is a bowl of juicy Clementine’s or some bright festive berries such as cranberries, blueberries and redcurrants; this is a perfect time to make sure your intake of immune-boosting nutrients, particularly vitamin C, is at an optimum level.  Brightly coloured fruits are packed full of antioxidants and so are an excellent addition to a festive diet.

 Pomegranate – With their bright red, almost jewel-like seeds, pomegranates are fast becoming renowned as a superfood for their nutrient value too.  They score even higher then blueberries on the antioxidant scale, ORAC; in particular they are known to contain powerful polyphenols, which act in the body to protect against cell damage. Delicious added to salads or to blend into fruit juices.

Red Wine –  Research has shown that red wine, when consumed in moderation, can offer significant health benefits which can be attributed to the polyphenolic compounds present in grape skins; namely resveratrol.  Adding cinnamon, spices, cloves & orange juice to make a warming mulled wine is a lovely festive option!

Root Vegetables – Roasted root vegetables are a recurring favourite on the festive plate.  A selection of carrots, Swede and parsnips provide a hearty supply of fibre and energy-rich carbohydrates to help support your digestion (and don’t forget to pile on the salad leaves with your leftovers!)

 Dark Chocolate – Choose the intensely dark varieties and as well as your sweet treat, you’ll also get a powerful punch of antioxidant-rich compounds, magnesium and copper.  Ideally look out for a chocolate treat that contains at least 70% cocoa solids.

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy Christmas and New Year!

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If you are celebrating the Jubilee this weekend but worried about ruining your healthy eating regime, there are tasty snacks and nibbles you can make quickly and simply which will still grace a party table, contribute to your daily fruit and vegetable quota, and provide a great alternative to the fatal temptations of cakes, crisps and pastries.

Chopped vegetables are packed with nutritious vitamins, and eaten raw can be a great fibre boost. Carrots, celery and sweet peppers make terrific dips and roasted vegetable kebabs go well with a barbecue. Try roasting chopped peppers, aubergine, tomato, mushrooms and courgettes and then skewer with some leafy  herbs (basil  leaves work well) to add colour to your plate.

Instead of red meat, don’t forget  salmon is a great source of both protein and essential ‘good’ fats. Smoked salmon is very versatile and can be rolled and added to vegetable kebabs, or added to mini toasts or wholemeal bread squares to make a tasty canapé. Add some dill to dress.

A good substitute for crisps and salted nuts is to nibble on toasted almonds or mixed seeds instead. Try flavouring with spices such as tamari or paprika to make them more interesting. You can also use walnuts and pine nuts as toppings on salads or to add flavour to celery boats stuffed with low fat cream cheese. Sprinkle with pomegranate for a burst of colour.

Fruit can also be fun to combine with cheese and vegetables – and the children love them. Whilst we are in nostalgic mood, why not reconstruct the grapefruit hedgehogs so popular back in the 70’s. Halve a grapefruit, lay flat side on the plate and create a hedgehog effect using fruit and cheese kebabs on cocktail sticks. You can experiment with all sorts of combinations, alternating cheeses (try grilled haloumi cubes or cheddar) with pineapple cubes, halved strawberries, red and green grapes and blueberries. If you want to add vegetables, cherry tomatoes and sweet pepper cubes also work well. Mint and basil leaves also add colour, flavour and even more healthy nutrients.

Don’t forget to add a non-alcoholic fruit punch to the party table. Another fantastic source of antioxidants and refreshing on a hot day. Let’s hope!

Here are some suggestions below. Have a fun and healthy weekend!

• Celery boats stuffed with blue cheese and toasted pine nuts
• Cucumber rounds spread with goats cheese and walnuts
• Chicory leaves filled with blue cheese and pine nuts
• Mini Nairns biscuits with hummus or soft cheese spread, chives and pomegranate
• Mini toasts with pesto, sun dried tomatoes and sprinkled with parmesan

• Tamari or paprika toasted spicy roasted almonds
• Skewers (or cocktail sticks) with cherry tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries and haloumi  or cheddar cubes
• Celery boats stuffed with guacomole and pomegranate
• Grilled haloumi kebabs with peppers, roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes and mint
• Smoked salmon kebabs with cherry tomato and cucumber
• Cucumber rounds with salmon and dill topping
• Garlic free hummus  or guacamole dips with pepper, cucumber and celery crudités
• Flat mushrooms grilled with teriyaki sesame seeds
• Cherry tomatoes stuffed with soft cheese and chives
• Asparagus spears wrapped in smoked salmon or prosciutto

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