Francine Joyce
Nutrition

Festive Season Nutrition

How to enjoy Christmas meals and avoid that yearly weight gain

Festive Season Nutrition
Photo by Al Elmes / Unsplash

Stuffed turkey, Foie Gras, praline, Christmas pudding, mince pies… in the name of gastronomic tradition, festive meals, may well turn you into binging "ogres"! here are a few  tips to “celebrate without risks.”

Nutrition tips for Christmas

1.     Embrace the Pleasure Without Guilt
Accept that enjoyment is part of a balanced diet and savor these wonderful moments of sharing, far from everyday stress.

2.     Eat Slowly
Take your time to enjoy every bite and enjoy each moment.

3.     Don’t Skip Meals
Avoid skipping meals before “ the feast ” as this will make you feel even hungrier later. Instead, “compensate” the next day with lighter menus that are high in fibres and lower in fat and sugar.

4.     Favor Seafood
Choose seafood like oysters or lobster, which are far less rich in fat than “Wellington Beef”. Scallops are much lighter and easier to digest than pigs in blanket ! Watch out for puff pastries, which are notoriously very high in calories.

5.     Opt for Strong Flavors
Choose strong flavors, such as truffles, rather than creamy sauces. A chicory salad with walnuts and truffles is much lighter and just as delicious as roasted potatoes.

6.     Avoid Seconds
Set limits for yourself before the first bite and stick to them.

7.     Alternate Alcohol and Water
Balance every glass of alcohol with a glass of water.

8.     Take a Digestive Walk
Plan a short outdoor walk after dessert to aid digestion.

9.     Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Indulge in the refinement and subtlety of exceptional dishes without falling into caloric excesses, indigestion, or the dreaded “liver crisis.”

10.  Beware of Illusory New Year’s Resolutions
Don’t overindulge under the false pretext of New Year’s resolutions. This “nutritional armistice” rarely lasts beyond a few days, soon eclipsed by the tea scones and French galette des Rois !

Give Your Body a Break Between Festive Meals
Incorporate lighter dishes, rich in fibres and alcohol-free, between festive meals.

I wish you a delicious Christmas filled “sprinkled” with the joy of sharing happy family meals !

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