Festive Foods - Top Tips

Christmas is a time full of delicious, warming, wintery foods; casseroles, warm mince pies and mulled wine, that are there to be enjoyed. If like me you are partial to a chocolate or two (or twenty) you may want to try out these tips that I am going to practice this year. I KNOW that I have very little self-restraint when the chocolates or any other Christmas goodies are next to me and then I end up regretting it and getting a tummy ache!

My top tips to enjoy festive treats without over-doing it are:

Avoid buying chocolates ahead of time that are on offer thinking that you will save money – they will be there tempting you and you may only have to buy them again!
Put nibbles out in small bowls so smaller quantities will be consumed and place the rest out of sight (and perhaps reach)!
Use smaller plates and bowls when serving items such as desserts, then your eyes will see a full bowl (my eyes are always bigger than my belly) and you will help avoid that bloated feeling!
If you have many parties involving alcohol, schedule in a few alcohol free nights in your December schedule to give your body a break or offer to be a designated driver.
Swap salted nuts, pretzels and crisps for whole nuts such as almonds, walnuts and chestnuts. These offer more nutrients to keep your body fighting fit this festive season.
Put seasonal fruits out in an attractive bowl that you and your household enjoy, such as satsumas, for easy to access snacks.
December can be a hectic month – take some time out with a bath, some yoga or another relaxing activity to allow you to slow down and make more conscious food choices.
Notice your consumption of juices and fizzy drinks that contain lots of sugar, herbals teas can offer a nice warming (and sometimes sweet) alternative.