Christmas food can often be thought of as quite unhealthy and indulgent, particularly on Christmas day! But in fact, some of the foods traditionally eaten around the festive season can be very nutritious!
Below we give you 10 top Christmas foods that fit well into a healthy, balanced diet:
1. Brussels sprouts
Brussel sprouts are are a good source of vitamin C and folate. They also provide fibre, which is needed to keep the gut healthy. Having a portion (80g) of these vegetables with your Christmas dinner will count as one of your 5 A DAY!
How to make Brussel sprouts delicious!
Why not cut them in half, par boil, and roast with some flavour sensations…
Chestnuts and nutmeg spice
Pecan and dried cranberries
Pistachios and pomegranate seeds
Hazelnuts and orange zest
Garlic, chilli and lemon zest and juice
2. Carrots
Carrots are a good source of beta carotene which our bodies make into vitamin A - important for normal vision and a healthy immune system. They also provide fibre like Brussel sprouts and 80g can count as one of your 5 A DAY! Put plenty on your plate or maybe try serving carrots two different ways, instead of just one!
3. Chestnuts
Chestnuts are in season over the winter months and are perfect added to stuffing, soups and sauces, and always sit well with Brussel sprouts. They are also a source of fibre and naturally low in saturated fat, as well as provide potassium which can contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
4. Clementines, satsumas and tangerines
Clementines, satsumas and tangerines are all a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for our immune system so having enough in our diet is important to help keep us well for the big day and over the winter period!
5. Cranberries
Fresh or frozen cranberries are packed with vitamin C! But because they are tart, cranberry products often have added sugar. So why not make your own cranberry sauce? This way you can control how much sugar you add.
6. Dates and figs
Dried figs and dates are good sources of fibre and are great chopped and added to cereal or porridge. Dried figs provide potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium and count towards your 5 A DAY – three dried dates or two dried figs count as one portion!
7. Nuts and nut roast
They can be eaten as a snack on Christmas day, or added to your breakfast, desserts or even the vegetables. Nuts can also be used in a nut roast.
Nut roasts provide a rich variety of nutrients, including potassium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and folate, and vitamin E. They are also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can be good for our heart health when they replace saturated fats in the diet.
If you are trying to manage your weight, remember nuts can be high in calories, so try to eat in moderation and avoid those with added salt or sugar.
8. Roast potatoes & parsnips
In the UK, potatoes make a good contribution to our potassium and vitamin C intakes. Leave the skins on for more fibre, and roast using an unsaturated fat! Parsnips are also a good source of fibre, manganese and folic acid – and are a great addition to roast potatoes!
9. Salmon
Salmon provides long-chain omega-3 fats which are important for heart health. If you are having smoked salmon, it is high in salt, so try to eat in moderation.
10. Turkey
Turkey is a good source of protein, and without the skin, it is low in fat. It is also a source of B vitamins (vitamins B6 and B12) which helps to support a healthy immune system.
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