Sneak more veggies into your Christmas meals

Improve your energy and mood with gorgeous winter veg and fruit

There are so many delicious winter vegetables that you can easily sneak into your meals this Christmas to make them more nutritious. We all love our fruit and veg but sometimes we need a reminder on their benefits:

- They provide a slow release of starches (meaning you'll feel fuller for longer), fibre, vitamins and minerals and are mostly low in carbohydrates so good for your waistline.

- Your blood sugar level will stabilise the more fresh fruit and vegetables you use instead of processed sugary treats and ready made meals. 

- You will have more energy, feel less sluggish, your skin will be less prone to breakouts (possibly from excess alcohol and sugar) and you'll overall feel better in yourself! 

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a sustainable approach to food, being in the present moment when it comes to enjoying our meals, choosing the foods our bodies need as opposed to want. Tips on practicing mindful eating include:

• Use a medium size plate for meals
• ½ of the plate for vegetables 
• ¼ plate for carbohydrate - remember stuffing is extra carbohydrates at Christmas
• ¼ plate for meat/ non-meat protein like beans, tofu, lentils and nut roast 
• Eat slowly and mindfully
• Put your knife and fork down every few bites
• Avoid SECONDS as chances are you will be having more treats than usual. This will avoid you becoming bloated, stuffed and likely to dodge the cravings more in a half hour!

Festive fruit and veg recipes

Below I've listed my festive fruit and veg recipe ideas with all of them being low in calories, carbohydrates and sugar. Click on each to view the recipe.

1. Braised Red Cabbage
2. Tasty Brussels Sprouts
3. Hassleback Baby Potatoes/ Sweet Potatoes
4. Glazed Parsnip/ Carrot
5. Celeraic Mash (instead of potato)
6. Pomegranate used on a cheeseboard, in desserts, over salads or in stewed fruit 
7. Fresh Figs used on a cheeseboard, in desserts or in warm salads
8. Cooking Apples in stewed fruit with festive spices
9. Cranberries to make your own cranberry sauce
10. Chestnuts - Jazz up some stuffing, chop and sprinkle over stewed fruit, roast and eat alone as a snack or chopped over a salad
11. Vegetable Bake - If you have a lot of veggie leftovers and want a meat free day or to add to some leftover turkey this is a great recipe