A Healthy Christmas- PLUS Recipe!

Christmas is often associated with indulgence or overeating. The piles of food on the kitchen table, the numerous Christmas parties serving alcohol and those oh so tempting charcuterie platters, all tied together with the mad rush of harvest, makes for a crazy time of the year. When we are so busy we often think we don’t have time to be healthy or feel awkward if we choose to make healthy choices. But I promise it doesn’t have to be that way.

I have some tips which can help you to feel great throughout the entire Christmas season.

1. Don’t overfill your plate – yes we have all done this, its a little too easy to keep piling food on to your plate and then go back for seconds, and in my experience, some family members may even go back for thirds which often leaves you feeling stuffed and sick. This Christmas let’s be mindful of the food we are eating and enjoy the food on our plate, rather than rush and overindulge.

2. Limit your alcohol – I know this could be hard for some people but why not try to find a healthy alternative like Kombucha or a healthy mocktail. If you feel like letting your hair down and indulging in some alcohol why not try to have one glass of your preferred choice, then a glass of water. If you went a little overboard and overconsumed it’s important to rehydrate and have some probiotics to ensure an overgrowth of bad bacteria doesn’t occur.

3. Try to keep moving - start your day with movement even if it’s only a short walk. Walking or exercising can help to improve your digestive system and ensure your bowels are regular. It can also help keep your mind clear while all the Christmas chaos goes on around you.

Christmas dinner doesn't end with the Ham, does it? we've got traditions, and they are full of sugar and gluten (and boy they are delicious.) I am sure many of you will resonate with me here that after eating all that sugar and gluten-filled dessert, you find yourself looking for that couch or comfy chair for an afternoon nap. So I thought why not share with you a healthy Christmas pudding recipe that is gluten-free and refined sugar-free, and is still oh, so delicious!

Healthy Christmas Pudding

Ingredients

1 ¾ cup of almond meal

4 cups of mixed dried fruit (cranberries, sultanas, apricots, currents ect)

1 cup of chopped pitted dates

¾ cup plain GF flour

½ cup brandy

3 eggs

Juice of 1 orange plus the rind

250grams butter

1 teaspoon bicarb soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon mixed spice

Method

Step 1: In a bowl, mix all dried fruits with brandy, juice and orange rind and let that soak overnight.

Step 2: Beat butter and eggs and mix well. Then add the dried fruit mix and mix.

Step 3: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mix and thoroughly mix until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Grease a 2 L pudding basin and cover the base with baking paper.

Step 5: Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin.

Step 6: Over the top with baking paper and 2 layers of foil, then tightly tie with string.

Step 7: Place the pudding in a large pot of boiling water that comes up ½ way up the baking dish. Cover and boil for 5 hours making sure the water level is up.

Step 8: After 5 hours carefully take out the basin and let stand for 15mins, then remove from the basin.

Step 9: To serve, serve with a large scoop of seasonal fruit salad.

** If preparing early, let the pudding cool in basin and keep in the fridge up to 4 weeks or freeze. To reheat, boil as before for 1 ½ hours or reheat in the microwave.

If you do make this recipe please be sure to let me know on Social Media, I would love to hear about how much you and your family loved it.

Hayley