One of the most enjoyable aspects of the festive period is the delicious food we only get to enjoy for a few months every year.
However, with so many events packed into one short period, you might be worried about the effect all this food could have on your health.
If you want to enter 2025 feeling fit and prepared for a new year, keep reading to discover 12 healthy swaps you can make this Christmas.
1. Cheese and crackers
It’s easy to find yourself constantly nibbling on savoury snacks during the festive period – especially while you’re catching up with friends and relatives by the buffet table – but this can add up to lots of calories, saturated fat, and salt.
Try substituting cheesy snacks with breadsticks, vegetable crudites, and hummus.
2. Crisps
Almost every festive buffet table has a bowl of crisps lying in wait, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try eating unsalted nuts instead. They are high in calories, but contain protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, making them a more nutritious choice.
You could also opt for olives, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.
Even when choosing healthier alternatives, it’s important to watch your portion size. If you find it hard to stop snacking, try taking a small handful of food and then moving away from the source.
3. Pigs in blankets
Sausages wrapped in bacon are a favourite choice over the festive period. However, processed meats like these are high in saturated fat and added salt.
Instead, choose unprocessed protein sources. For example, grilled or cold roast chicken or turkey, hard-boiled eggs, or dips made with beans or pulses are all healthier options.
4. Stuffing
Stuffing that comes from a packet mix or is made with sausage meat tends to contain added salt. While not too bad in moderation, this salt can add up during a Christmas dinner, so it’s important to consider where you can cut down.
If you’re making your own stuffing, why not try a healthier vegetarian recipe using chestnuts, onion, herbs, and rice?
5. Brussels sprouts
While Brussels sprouts are often the most hated part of a Christmas dinner, you can entice your picky friends and family members to enjoy them by spicing up the recipe with garlic, chilli, and lemon.
Not only is this version lighter than the popular pancetta alternative, but it can also be enjoyed by vegan and vegetarian guests at your dinner table.
6. Roast potatoes
Instead of using goose fat or lard for your roasties, try sunflower oil to achieve that golden and crunchy exterior without any excess fat.
Alternatively, you can try making air fryer roast potatoes for an easy and delicious addition to your festive dinner without using as much oil.
7. Gravy
We rarely consider the calories in the sauces we enjoy with our festive meals, but they can quickly add up.
You can cut the fat content of your gravy by simply skimming the excess oil from the top before decanting it into a jug.
8. Processed meats
Deciding how to use your leftover turkey may be a long-running Christmas joke, but it can be a useful option when you’re looking for healthier choices in the run-up to New Year’s Day.
Skinless cooked turkey or chicken has less fat than cheese and less salt than ham or other processed meats. You can enjoy these leftovers with tomato and cucumber slices, wholegrain bread, or crackers – all of which you might also have left over.
9. Cookies
With so many chimneys to squeeze down in one night, Santa might appreciate you coming together as a family to cook him healthier cookies than the standard gingerbread or mince pies.
For example, you could try making raspberry, almond, and oat cookies as a better option, and enjoy the leftovers as a quick breakfast or snack between meals.
10. Christmas cake
The dried fruit in Christmas cake makes it more nutritious than other desserts you might enjoy during the festive period, but it’s still high in fat and added sugar.
Be mindful of how big your slice is and leave the icing and marzipan to one side to reduce your sugar intake. Or, if it’s your favourite dessert, try a healthier recipe that is low in fat and sugar.
11. Mince pies
Mince pies may be a staple of a festive meal, but they are high in fat and sugar.
Try to choose mince pies that don’t have pastry covering the top, or a mini pie, to keep the calories down.
Or, you can try creating your own mince pies with filo pastry, which will make them lower in saturated fat than a standard mince pie.
12. Alcoholic drinks
With so many parties and celebrations happening throughout the festive period, it’s a good idea to stock a few bottles of non-alcoholic wine and beer.
Not only does this allow your sober loved ones to join the fun, but it also you to enjoy the taste and partake in the social aspect of drinking without the dreaded hangover in the morning.
And if you aren’t a wine or beer drinker, why not try getting creative and making a few mocktails for your guests?