How To Eat Healthily This Christmas

DO eat plenty of protein
Christmas meals (particularly a traditional turkey dinner) are usually packed with protein , so if you're a meat eater, there should be plenty of opportunities to eat lean red meat or poultry. Gammon, turkey, roast beef or even goose are all popular festive meats – turkey has the least fat and is also a source of tryptophan , which can help you to relax and get a great night's sleep. If you're veggie or vegan, fill up on hearty nut roasts packed with protein and good fats – chestnuts are particularly delicious and extremely festive! By ensuring you're eating plenty of protein at each meal and fewer carbs , you are more likely to feel full, and less likely to reach for the family-sized tub of Quality Street!

DO fill up on veggies
Out for a festive meal with work colleagues? Fatty roast potatoes, stuffing balls and other delights can be tempting, but it's far better to stick to protein and vegetables . There will usually be plenty of green veg (and other colourful vegetables ) to choose from in restaurants – roast carrots, parsnips, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts are all great choices, and you can treat yourself to a potato or two if you're really craving some!

DO enjoy home-made gravy
Home-made gravy, rather than the stuff that comes out of a packet, is packed with nutrients and flavour, and it's a low-fat choice compared to many other sauces, such as bread sauce, that are popular around Christmas time. Made from scratch, it's usually lower in salt than gravy packet mixes or granules too.

DO plan ahead
If you're going to dinner at a relative's house, plan ahead and take some dishes with you that are healthy and delicious. Offer to bring vegetables or a side dish , and bring along some healthy snacks for later too – nuts are a great choice at any time of year, packed with protein and vitamin E.

DO eat breakfast
There's a reason why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give your body the fuel it needs to get through until lunchtime, it can also stop you reaching for unhealthy snacks. Make sure you eat a healthy, protein-packed breakfast on Christmas morning, or enjoy a high-protein snack such as a hard-boiled egg or some nuts and fruit, before going out for a meal. This way you won't over-eat.

DO enjoy a glass of red wine
What's that, we're telling you to drink alcohol ? Well, yes; booze is fine in moderation, but if you have to have wine, opt for red rather than white. Red wine is high in resveratrol, which is a phytochemical that can fight cancer and heart disease.

DO choose 'mini' options
If you have to have a dessert , choose something fruit-based or opt for mini or tasting desserts that you can share with someone else. Often, a bite of something sweet is all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth .

DON'T reach for the sweetie tin
That family-sized tin of Roses is just calling your name – surely a few couldn't hurt? If you really do have to have some chocolate, try to pick dark chocolate, as it's packed with antioxidants . Don't just dive into the tin, take a couple of sweets out and then put it away. Eating too many sweets can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, leaving you feeling drained and tired later on.