It’s come to our attention that Christmas is practically on top of us already. How did that happen? It seems like Chrissie 2011 was only a couple of months ago!
You’ve worked hard all year to lose weight, follow a healthy eating plan and exercise regularly but Christmas can often put us to the test.
Parties, get togethers and long lunches, not to mention the day itself, can make November and December one long eating and drinking frenzy that can threaten do undo all the good work you’ve achieved.
It’s not so much the type of food that’s available (although that can definitely be a challenge when following a weight loss plan), it’s the sheer amount on offer.
There’s never just one course. You’ve usually got to dodge canapes, cheese platters and bowls of dip before you’ve even sat down to eat something bigger than the palm of your hand.
The other side of the coin is the get together where they serve nothing but canapes, nibbles, chips and dip. At the end of a long day, when you’re hungry and a little tired, it’s very easy to fill your tummy with these itty bitty bits of food. And fill you will as it’s difficult to feel satisfied after scoffing just one mini quiche or a single cracker with cheese.
The problem is that though they might be small, they pack a mighty punch when it comes to calorie content. Whether your gathering is full of finger food or the full spread, making sensible snacking decisions is a great way to keep calories in check and stick to your healthy eating plan.
Taking along a share plate is a great way to ensure a healthy option is available (you’ll be in the good books with the host as well!)
Whip up one of these delicious snacks and you can be guaranteed a tummy full of healthy goodness. Keep an eye out for these options as well if you haven’t been able to bring a plate or fancy a change in snack.
Sensible snacks for the festive season
- Creamy, full fat dips are often the star of the trestle table at Chrissie gatherings. All that cream and flavouring however means lots of calories and sugar. Stick with dips like homemade hummus. To make hummus, simply blend canned chickpeas with yoghurt, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Serve with toasted pita bread chips. Chunky guacamole or yoghurt based dips, like tzaziki, are also great options.
- Leave quiche on the tray and opt for bruschetta – Bruschetta, made with fresh diced tomato, garlic and olive oil is a delicious and filling snack (it also looks very Christmassy!) Combine diced tomato, a clove of crushed garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil and a handful of fresh basil leaves in a large bowl. Season with a dash of salt and pepper. Toast sliced up sourdough bread under the grill and top with the tomato mixture. Yum!
- Swap oily potato chips for oven roasted sweet potato wedges. A party wouldn’t be a party without the ubiquitous bowl of potato chips. Although there are baked varieties making their way onto the shelves, potato chips are generally high in fat and salt, making them a less than ideal snack option. Roast sweet potato wedges are healthy and filling and will go down a treat with hungry guests. Pre-heat your oven to 180C. Wash and top and tail your potato, then slice into finger length wedges and place on a baking tray. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp. sweet paprika, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 cove of crushed garlic and some rosemary leaves. Pour over the potato wedges and bake for 45-55 minutes. To keep warm, place in a tinfoil BBQ tray or bowl covered with foil.
- Choose veggie or grain based finger food. Canapes that use pastry as their main ingredient tend to be high in calories. Avoiding these kind of snacks in favour of those made from whole grains or veggies reduces the calories and will end up leaving feeling full. Cheesy polenta fingers or corn fritters are both great options.
- Fun and fruity – If you’re at a loss for dessert options, you can’t go wrong with seasonal fruit. A platter or even fresh fruit skewers are the ideal end to a get together, and always appreciated when the weather heats up.
If you are ready to lose weight then the Lose Baby Weight plans offer a healthy and safe exercise and diet routine.
And don’t forget to check out our current promotions and discounts page to see what specials we have on this week on our Healthy Mummy product range
