Articles
The Christmas Swap List
Gaining a few extra kilos over Christmas does not have to be ‘the norm’ this year. Here is a list of healthy Christmas swaps that will help you swap ‘this’ for ‘that’ and get rid of some fat! Swap multiple ‘overindulgence days’ for one For many people, Christmas, and the large amount of food that goes with it, can be spread over a few days. Visiting a number of family and friends and getting through leftovers can mean overindulging in Christmas foods can last up to a week! This year make a decision to keep overindulging to one day only. Pick your day, the day you are likely to be celebrating the most, and go for it. If you have other celebration days planned or are left with a huge amount of leftovers, tighten your belt a little and make healthy choices when dining out, and turn hefty leftovers into lighter meals. Swap fatty snacks for healthy bites when entertaining Don’t serve potato chips and high fat dips at get togethers. Swap these unhealthy choices for low fat dip options with toasted pita breads and vegetables sticks. Serve cheese platters with lower fat cheese varieties or reduced fat versions of your favourites. Accompany them with low fat water crackers, smoked salmon slices, fresh olives, fresh dates, grapes, cherries and dried fruits. Swap hot for not In our hot Christmas climate, its easy to swap high fat hot dishes for lighter fresh foods. Swap the baked quiches, mini pies and sausage rolls, spring rolls and dim sims at social gatherings. Tempt guests with healthy tapa like snacks. Check out the article in this newsletter for healthy tapas ideas. When it comes to dessert there is no need to serve up puddings laden with steaming custard. Choose light dessert options such as pavlova made with low fat vanilla Greek yoghurt instead of cream, fresh summer fruits dipped in yoghurt dips or melted chocolate or a colourful fruit salad with passionfruit pulp dressing.
Swap emotional snacking for motivational moving
Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone and many people use the silly season as an excuse to ease those stressful times with a sweet treat. Ease your angst in a more positive way with a nice brisk walk, catching up with a friend for a chat and a coffee or wrapping Christmas presents! Swap empty kilojoules for full glasses Beer, wine and soft drink contain a large amount of kilojoules without the effect of easing appetite. If you are out celebrating with food and drink, go a little easier on the drinking to balance the extra eating. Alternate alcoholic beverages for sparkling water or a diet soft drink.Swap saving for sharing
Don’t save enough leftovers to get you through the next few days. Make sure your guests all leave with plates of leftovers after celebrations at your house. If guests come bearing gifts of chocolates, biscuits and baked goods, open and serve them there and then. Don’t feel bad re-gifting edible presents, its much healthier to share the love. Swap indoor dining for sunny picnics Make the most of our beautiful Christmas weather when catching up with friends and family for Christmas. Plan a picnic instead of catching up for 3 courses at a restaurant. It will save you kilojoules and money! Pack wholemeal rolls, salads, roasted chickens or lean meats for the BBQ to make healthy picnic burgers. Take fruit platters and low fat dips with vegetable sticks for adults to snack on while the kids play. Take along a football or cricket set and get everyone involved in a game of family sport. Swap sweet presents for sports presentsDon’t be tempted to fill the kids stockings with chocolates and lollies this year. Look for small gifts that will encourage them to be active. Wrap up bouncy balls, yoyos, frisbies, goggles and swimming pool passes. This way you will likely all be more likely to get active and you wont be tempted to nibble on any of the kids candy!
Added to site on : Monday, 10 December 2012