Christmas is a time of reunion, celebration and, by extension, food. A lot of food. However, even though it is all about enjoying yourself, many people are troubled by the thought that they will eat more than necessary and are already looking for a way to compensate for all the excess of the Christmas food.
For all these people, Xenia Sinfreu, nutritionist and professor at Charlemagne University (Andorra), recommends that they value company more than the quantity they will eat and enjoy. These are extraordinary meetings and should not be punished for overeating, because the important thing is the reckoning of the whole year. However, for those who do not want to exceed these dates, experts list some useful tips.
1
it’s only four days
Keep in mind that these types of meals are held between four and six days: Christmas Eve, Christmas, San Esteban, New Year’s Eve, New Years and Epiphany. Loss of control comes when we spend more than two weeks eating and drinking.
“Therefore, my first advice is to be realistic with the amounts and plan well not only the holidays, but also the rest. If there is a lot left, then share what makes you happy.”
2
Beware of Appetizers and Snacks
Try starting meals with healthy vegetable-based starters. They are great forgotten on the Christmas table and if we start with it, we already have a point in health and satiety.
We try to reduce starters rich in fat and refined flour such as puff pastry, sausages, sauces …
3
small portions (you’ll repeat)
Keep in mind that sometimes we eat with our eyes instead of our mouth. “Avoid large dishes because you always have time to repeat!”, says Sinfreu.
4
control yourself with sweets
Another guest at the Christmas table is sweets. There are countless options on the market: chocolate, nougat, waffle, shortbread, marzipan, etc., and they are all very tempting. Obviously, if there is a time of the year to consume them, this is it, but always keeping in mind that they are very high-calorie products and their nutritional properties are rather poor. It doesn’t mean that you don’t eat, but that you always do it in a controlled manner. Buy the right sweets and that way you will avoid having them at home for weeks.
5
cups, fair ones
Consume alcohol responsibly and always make water a priority during a festive meal. We already know that celebrations aren’t the same without a glass and that toasting with water brings bad luck, but cutting back on alcohol helps you avoid contributing large amounts of sugar and calories to the body.
6
Walk less and more after dinner
Replace it with a family outing after dinner. It’s a way to share time and, at the same time, help you digest and stretch your legs after a few hours of sitting down.
Finally, the nutritionist recalls that “it’s not good to binge on these meals because there’s nothing to compensate for. Therefore, you don’t need to skip meals, detox, or commit other barbarism.”
Non-celebratory meals simply call for moderation, paying special attention to vegetables and legumes to ensure a supply of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and continuing to enjoy the cuisine, which is ultimately a pleasure.
Some Healthy Christmas Recipe Ideas
• Cherry Tomato, Pineapple and Feta Cheese Skewers
• Zucchini, Orange and Marinated Salmon Steaks
• Vegetable Crudties with Hummus
• Shrimp and Garlic Mushrooms
• Mushrooms stuffed with vegetables and mozzarella
• Cup of Pumpkin Cream with Mushrooms
• Carrot, Beet and Orange Cream
• Zucchini Carpaccio, Parmesan and Pomegranate
• Cod Carpaccio with Tomatoes
• Endives Stuffed with Scallions and Tuna
With all these pointers, we are sure that you will enjoy your Christmas meal to the fullest without compromising on your health.
Read the original article in RAC1.
