Christmas is one day. Yes true – but the celebrations go on for weeks!

By following a few simple rules, you can manage your health and food so that by new year you can still fit in ‘that dress’ or ‘that special suit’

1. Always use sugar free mixers
2. Missing meals leads to snacking on high fat, high salt /sugar foods so keep to a regular meal pattern including 5 fruit and veg a day
3. Skip the 4th course of a meal – if you choose cheese and biscuits, make that your dessert
4. No snacking when you get home from a late-night party!
5. Don’t stand by the snacks bowl at a party – you are likely to finish the bowl!
6. Limit or stay away from nibbling on high fat canapés – sausage rolls, fried snacks and humus type dips
7. Don’t have seconds or finish other people’s food

Do enjoy what you do eat and remember you will feel better if you limit your alcohol, get 8 hours sleep a night and don’t smoke.

Being happy and having fun reduces stress which is great for health, so make sure you enjoy yourself.

Don’t forget to keep active too, dancing is fun and a great way to burn calories and keep active.

Making healthier choices is just that – it doesn’t mean missing out – just eating and drinking in moderation and keeping that work-life balance.

Tanya Wright

HCPC Specialist Dietitian 

NHS and Private Practice

Christmas Cake

(GF, WF, EF, SF, DF, (NF)

Ingredients

500g Dried mixed fruit

10 glace cherries

400ml fruit juice (1/2 brandy if desired)

2 teaspoons almond essence

350g (WF GF) Self-raising flour

75g of almonds/mixed nuts – optional

100mls apple puree

2 teaspoons mixed spice (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and all spice)

Fresh orange zest and lemon zest

Method

1. Place dried fruit in a bowl
2. Add fruit juice(and brandy if using)
3. Leave for 24 hours
4. Add all other ingredients and mix well
5. Cook at 125c for 1 ½ hours
6. Cover with T-towels & leave in tin until cold