The average Crimbo feast racks up around 6,000 calories. That’s around seven and a half hours of running!** Indulge without

getting a bulge – Shona Wilkinson, a nutritionist at superfooduk.com*, reveals how…

POTATOES

100g roasted spuds in goose fat = 316 cals/13.5g fat

Replace with 100g roasted parsnips with paprika = 135 cals/ 5.1g fat

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‘Parsnips are a source of vitamin C, folate and potassium and 1tbsp paprika, adds 70 per cent of the recommended daily

allowance of vitamin A.’

MUST have potatoes? Shona says: ‘Keep them as large as possible with minimum oil, or try sweet potatoes in coconut butter

with rosemary and thyme.’

CARROTS

Lightly steamed is best. Try adding cinnamon for flavour and to balance blood sugar levels, so you’ll be fuller for longer (and

possibly eat less!).

SPROUTS

No need to fear this wholesome veg. ‘Retain nutrients by cooking lightly; they should be crunchy to the bite. Instead of

roasting, try boiling alongside chestnuts and small bits of bacon.’

MEAT

‘Turkey’s incredibly healthy with a low fat and calorie content, so you don’t have to restrict your intake. If you opt for a meat

on the bone, keep the bones and carcass; soups made with “bone broth” are highly nutritious.’

Prefer fish? Shona reckons trout or salmon is great for those who wish to boost omega-3 fatty acid levels.

GRAVY

Pouring on 2-4tbsp per plate adds around 50-100 calories. Consider swapping gravy for a lighter option such as a red wine

reduction sauce.

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CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE

Small slice = 329 cals/46g sugar

Replace with Clementine sorbet = 55 cals/12.9g sugar

‘Sugar’s the real problem here, especially with dried fruit,’ explains Shona.

PIGS IN BLANKETS

100g sausages in bacon = 289 cals/19.3g fat

Replace with 100g Parma ham and asparagus = 126 cals/10g fat

The fibre content of asparagus also helps support healthy digestion.

CHEESE AND PORT

100g Stilton with a glass of port = 527 cals/31g fat

Replace with 100g goats’ cheese with 10g grapes = 377 cals/25g fat

PORK STUFFING

‘Use wholegrain bread instead of white and swap pork for turkey to greatly reduce your calorie content. Add almonds, apples

and cranberries for extra nutrients,’ says Shona.

YORKIE PUDS

Replace milk with soy or almond milk to help reduce the fat content.

Use a non-stick pan to avoid using extra oil during cooking.

Drink up!

With 145 cals per portion and 9g sugar, eggnog won’t be your waistline’s BFF. Prosecco, on the other hand, has 75 cals per

125ml and only 1g sugar. WINNER!

*SuperfoodUK.com, the online shopping destination for health and wellbeing.
**Based on a 155lb woman running at 7mph (nhs.uk)