We all overindulge at Christmas, and if you've been following my blogs this month you'll know that the average Brit gains half a stone - and then most diet like mad in January!
With a little planning you can still merrily munch your way through the festivities without feeling bloated and uncomfortable, and not have that weight gain to worry about.
- Eat breakfast on Christmas Day so you are less likely to snack on choccies before lunch.
- If you are putting nibbles out go for unsalted nuts, plain popcorn, roasted soya beans, olives, breadsticks, liquorice, dried fruit, satsumas or grapes.
- Serve heaps of vegetables with Christmas lunch, and eat them! Veggies are a fantastic source of nutrients and low in calories.
- Avoid feeling too full by eating slower - remember it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realise your stomach has had enough!
- Be active! Go for a walk, play with the children, walk the dog, walk an elderly person's dog, sweep the snow off the drive, dance to MTV, play old games like Twister or Musical Chairs, buy a Wii with fitness games, or if all that fails have an early night!!
Feel great - have a very healthy Christmas!
Bev
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Monday, 20 December 2010
CHRISTMAS FRUIT N CHOC KEBABS
With an average serving of Christmas Pudding, brandy sauce & blob of brandy butter setting you back around 600 calories (good grief?!) here is a lighter dessert option.
Fruit n Choc Kebabs have only 150 calories each - you could have 2 for half the calories of the Christmas Pud!
You need per person: 8 pieces of your favourite fruit ie. slices banana, satsuma segments, berries, chunks of mango or pineapple etc, l tsp icing sugar & 2 squares of melted dark chocolate.
Thread the fruit onto a skewer, sprinkle with the icing sugar and put under a hot grill for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Drizzle with the dark chocolate & serve while still warm. Delicious!
Don't be a Christmas Pudding this year!
Happy eating!
Bev
Fruit n Choc Kebabs have only 150 calories each - you could have 2 for half the calories of the Christmas Pud!
You need per person: 8 pieces of your favourite fruit ie. slices banana, satsuma segments, berries, chunks of mango or pineapple etc, l tsp icing sugar & 2 squares of melted dark chocolate.
Thread the fruit onto a skewer, sprinkle with the icing sugar and put under a hot grill for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Drizzle with the dark chocolate & serve while still warm. Delicious!
Don't be a Christmas Pudding this year!
Happy eating!
Bev
Thursday, 16 December 2010
TURKEY TIPS & ADVICE
There's nothing quite like the delicious smell of a Christmas turkey roasting in the oven. It's the largest bird most people will cook all year, so to make sure it's safely cooked:
- FIRSTLY wash your hands before handling.
- Use a SEPARATE chopping board for raw meat.
- DO NOT wash your turkey as thorough cooking will kill any bacteria.
- WASH the board, utensils and work surfaces with warm soapy water after they have been in contact with raw meat.
- PLAN your cooking time well in advance, and follow the advice on your turkey's packaging.
- It's SAFER to cook stuffing separately in another tin, but if you prefer to stuff the turkey remember to allow the extra cooking time as recommended on the packaging.
- ALWAYS check the meat is cooked all the way through before you serve it.
- TEST the thickest parts with a skewer to make sure the juices run CLEAR. If they are still pink it needs longer.
- IDEALLY eat leftovers within 24 hours or put in the freezer for another day.
Happy Christmas Eating!
Bev
- FIRSTLY wash your hands before handling.
- Use a SEPARATE chopping board for raw meat.
- DO NOT wash your turkey as thorough cooking will kill any bacteria.
- WASH the board, utensils and work surfaces with warm soapy water after they have been in contact with raw meat.
- PLAN your cooking time well in advance, and follow the advice on your turkey's packaging.
- It's SAFER to cook stuffing separately in another tin, but if you prefer to stuff the turkey remember to allow the extra cooking time as recommended on the packaging.
- ALWAYS check the meat is cooked all the way through before you serve it.
- TEST the thickest parts with a skewer to make sure the juices run CLEAR. If they are still pink it needs longer.
- IDEALLY eat leftovers within 24 hours or put in the freezer for another day.
Happy Christmas Eating!
Bev
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
FROZEN TURKEY? DEFROST SAFELY
The best and safest method is to defrost the turkey at the bottom of your fridge for 12 hours per kilo - so PLAN WELL AHEAD! But if you have a large turkey and a small fridge that may be tricky!
The alternate safe way is to deforst at room temperature (away from radiator heat) for 2 hours per kilo - or in a cold unheated room for 4 hours per kilo.
Whichever method you choose, put the turkey on a large dish to stop the raw meat juices from dripping onto surfaces, and keep it covered at all times.
Removing the giblets helps the thawing process.
NEVER PUT A PARTIALLY DEFROSTED TURKEY IN THE OVEN - this means absolutely NO ICE CRYSTALS IN THE CAVITY. If you do, the bacteria that causes food poisoning may survive the cooking process and you may give your guests more than they bargained for on Christmas Day! Another tip is to test the thickest parts of the meat with a skewer to check it is well thawed out and not icy.
Obviously if you don't want to worry about defrosting you can always buy a fresh turkey!
More on turkey cooking tips next blog.
Happy eating!
Bev
The alternate safe way is to deforst at room temperature (away from radiator heat) for 2 hours per kilo - or in a cold unheated room for 4 hours per kilo.
Whichever method you choose, put the turkey on a large dish to stop the raw meat juices from dripping onto surfaces, and keep it covered at all times.
Removing the giblets helps the thawing process.
NEVER PUT A PARTIALLY DEFROSTED TURKEY IN THE OVEN - this means absolutely NO ICE CRYSTALS IN THE CAVITY. If you do, the bacteria that causes food poisoning may survive the cooking process and you may give your guests more than they bargained for on Christmas Day! Another tip is to test the thickest parts of the meat with a skewer to check it is well thawed out and not icy.
Obviously if you don't want to worry about defrosting you can always buy a fresh turkey!
More on turkey cooking tips next blog.
Happy eating!
Bev
Friday, 10 December 2010
MAKE MERRY - BE MINDFUL!
Most people (me included) enjoy a Christmas drink, especially at parties. But have you ever thought about the hidden calories in those festive tipples? Boy do they add up!
Coming in around the 300 calories per drink are pina colada, strawberry daiquiri & other creamy, sugary cocktails, with mulled wine not far behind. Alcopops are about 200 calories each.
Mojitos, bellinis and bloody marys have about 150 calories each, as does 1/2 pt cider or stong lager.
Lighter options with under 100 calories each are dry champagne, bucks fizz or a single spirit with diet mixer.
Note of caution with fizzy drinks.......bubbles allow alcohol to enter your bloodstream quickly, so you fast track to tipsy! That's when not so good food choices happen & you feel the urge for a bag of chips on the way home!
My advice would be to stick to wine - under 100 calories per small glass, alternating with a glass of water to keep hydrated.
Just in case you didn't know......a glass of iced water has ZERO calories!!
Happy Drinking!
Bev
Coming in around the 300 calories per drink are pina colada, strawberry daiquiri & other creamy, sugary cocktails, with mulled wine not far behind. Alcopops are about 200 calories each.
Mojitos, bellinis and bloody marys have about 150 calories each, as does 1/2 pt cider or stong lager.
Lighter options with under 100 calories each are dry champagne, bucks fizz or a single spirit with diet mixer.
Note of caution with fizzy drinks.......bubbles allow alcohol to enter your bloodstream quickly, so you fast track to tipsy! That's when not so good food choices happen & you feel the urge for a bag of chips on the way home!
My advice would be to stick to wine - under 100 calories per small glass, alternating with a glass of water to keep hydrated.
Just in case you didn't know......a glass of iced water has ZERO calories!!
Happy Drinking!
Bev
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
SEASONAL SWAPS
Ever felt so full that you can't move? Tummy bloated? Indigestion? Make some good choices this Christmas and feel fabulous!
Swap 2 mini sausages on sticks for 2 mini chicken satay with 1tsp peanut sauce. Save 80 calories.
Swap small handful salted peanuts for plain popcorn. Save 140 calories.
Swap 1oz Stilton for Camembert. Save 40 calories.
Swap 10 Pringles for 10 olives. Save 90 claories.
Swap average serving sherry trifle for fresh fruit salad & 2tbsp single cream. Save 200 calories.
Swap 4 Quality Street for 4 squares dark chocolate. Save 80 calories.
Swap 1 mince pie for 2 After Eights. Save 170 calories.
Swap Irish coffee for a single Baileys. Save 250 calories.
All savings are approximate but boy does it add up!
See Clever Christmas Food Shopping blog for more ideas.
Happy Eating!
Bev
Swap 2 mini sausages on sticks for 2 mini chicken satay with 1tsp peanut sauce. Save 80 calories.
Swap small handful salted peanuts for plain popcorn. Save 140 calories.
Swap 1oz Stilton for Camembert. Save 40 calories.
Swap 10 Pringles for 10 olives. Save 90 claories.
Swap average serving sherry trifle for fresh fruit salad & 2tbsp single cream. Save 200 calories.
Swap 4 Quality Street for 4 squares dark chocolate. Save 80 calories.
Swap 1 mince pie for 2 After Eights. Save 170 calories.
Swap Irish coffee for a single Baileys. Save 250 calories.
All savings are approximate but boy does it add up!
See Clever Christmas Food Shopping blog for more ideas.
Happy Eating!
Bev
Monday, 6 December 2010
HEALTHY CHRISTMAS SIDE DISHES
Staying with the theme of less calorie and lower fat options here are a few ideas for those delicious extras we all enjoy with Christmas lunch.
CRANBERRY SAUCE is like jam and contains loads of sugar and around 70 calories per teaspoon - that's a lot! Look out for cranberry jelly which has about 30. The jelly also has a higher proportion of fruit - which is a good thing!
BREAD SAUCE - stick to basic mixes for around 60 calories per tablespoon. Luxury versions can have as many as 150 & suggest you add cream! Use skimmed milk and heat with a clove of garlic added for extra flavour.
GRAVY - to make lower fat gravy pour the turkey juices into a jug and wait for the fat to rise to the surface. Spoon this off and discard, then continue to make the gravy. If using stock look for the lower salt versions.
Happy Eating!
Bev
CRANBERRY SAUCE is like jam and contains loads of sugar and around 70 calories per teaspoon - that's a lot! Look out for cranberry jelly which has about 30. The jelly also has a higher proportion of fruit - which is a good thing!
BREAD SAUCE - stick to basic mixes for around 60 calories per tablespoon. Luxury versions can have as many as 150 & suggest you add cream! Use skimmed milk and heat with a clove of garlic added for extra flavour.
GRAVY - to make lower fat gravy pour the turkey juices into a jug and wait for the fat to rise to the surface. Spoon this off and discard, then continue to make the gravy. If using stock look for the lower salt versions.
Happy Eating!
Bev
Friday, 3 December 2010
GOOD CHOICES - CHRISTMAS VEGETABLES
With the average person eating 6,000 calories on Christmas Day here are a few suggestions for healthier vegetables.
POTATOES - Cut into large chunks for roasting - big spuds absorb less fat! Use a little sunflower oil or spray oil instead of goose fat or lard. You will still get the golden crispness but save on fat.
PARSNIPS - Par boil for 10 mins then put in a bowl. Add black pepper and a drizzle of honey to very lightly just coat. Then cook on parchment paper on a baking tray in a hot oven - about 20 mins. No need to add fat.
SPROUTS - Serve with chestnuts instead of crispy bacon bits. Chestnuts are high in protein, low in fat and contain a fraction of the salt.
CARROTS - Do not need butter! Simmer in a little fresh orange juice instead of water & grate orange zest over to serve.
Serve a wonderful selection of vegetables for a great range of nutrients!
Happy Eating!
Bev
POTATOES - Cut into large chunks for roasting - big spuds absorb less fat! Use a little sunflower oil or spray oil instead of goose fat or lard. You will still get the golden crispness but save on fat.
PARSNIPS - Par boil for 10 mins then put in a bowl. Add black pepper and a drizzle of honey to very lightly just coat. Then cook on parchment paper on a baking tray in a hot oven - about 20 mins. No need to add fat.
SPROUTS - Serve with chestnuts instead of crispy bacon bits. Chestnuts are high in protein, low in fat and contain a fraction of the salt.
CARROTS - Do not need butter! Simmer in a little fresh orange juice instead of water & grate orange zest over to serve.
Serve a wonderful selection of vegetables for a great range of nutrients!
Happy Eating!
Bev
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
GOOD CHOICES - ROAST TURKEY & STUFFING
A few small changes can mean the difference of hundreds of calories!
- Choose an unbasted turkey. Basted ones have calorie laden basting sauces injected into the flesh.
- Brush the skin with a little olive oil intead of using lard or bacon.
- White breast meat has fewer calories than dark leg meat.
- A portion of meat with crispy skin will contain double the calories and 6 times the fat than a portion without the skin.
- Stick to basic sage & onion stuffing. The fancier the stuffing sounds, the richer the ingredients.
- You do not need to add butter to the mix.
- Stuffing made from sausage meat will have roughly double the calories and 4 times the fat.
- Cook the stuffing in a separate oven dish from the turkey so it does not absorb the turkey juices.
Keep watching & reading for more tips on vegetables, seasonal accompaniments, puddings and other Christmas fare.
Happy Eating!
Bev
- Choose an unbasted turkey. Basted ones have calorie laden basting sauces injected into the flesh.
- Brush the skin with a little olive oil intead of using lard or bacon.
- White breast meat has fewer calories than dark leg meat.
- A portion of meat with crispy skin will contain double the calories and 6 times the fat than a portion without the skin.
- Stick to basic sage & onion stuffing. The fancier the stuffing sounds, the richer the ingredients.
- You do not need to add butter to the mix.
- Stuffing made from sausage meat will have roughly double the calories and 4 times the fat.
- Cook the stuffing in a separate oven dish from the turkey so it does not absorb the turkey juices.
Keep watching & reading for more tips on vegetables, seasonal accompaniments, puddings and other Christmas fare.
Happy Eating!
Bev
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