The festive season can cause our best laid intentions to go pear shaped, especially when it comes to healthy eating! If you have just embarked on a new healthy eating regime or simply want to maintain health over Christmas, here are some simple food swaps you can make.
Fruit pudding and custard >>> fresh fruit and greek yoghurt
We are so lucky to have accessed to amazing produce in Australian and during summer, stone fruit is irresistible. Choose a selection of fruit such as nectarines, apricots, peaches, cherries and berries and serve with a thick greek yoghurt as a truly satisfying dessert.
Large plate meat >>> ½ plate salads and vegetables
Most Christmas feasts offer a few selections of meat, which can tempt us to load our plate with meat. This year aim to select a small portion of each and have ½ plate salad/vegetables and then reassess to see if you feel like seconds.
Creamy coleslaw >>> coconut milk dressing
Coleslaws are a popular family favourite during summer. However, a lighter and healthier option as a coleslaw dressing but with the same amount of flavour is my lime and coconut dressing:
Coconut, Coriander and Lime Dressing
1 x270ml can AYAM coconut milk
1 tsp. honey
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. lime zest
1 tbsp. AYAM fish sauce
Short bread >>> raw fruit cookie
If looking for a nutrient dense treat to finish off the meal or sit down to over tea/coffee with family and friends, my raw fruit cookie is an option sure to please. Rich in protein and healthy fats, you will be satisfied after one!
Ingredients
10 dried figs, diced, hard stalk removed (organic)
1 cup of walnuts
½ cup macadamia nuts
½ cup Brazil nuts
½ cup sunflower seeds
3 tbsp honey
1/3 cup cocoa or carob powder
½ cup raspberries
1 cup Omega Blend or LSA (linseed, almonds and sunflower seeds)
Method
Combine everything except the carob powder, the raspberries and half a cup of LSA in a food processor until smooth and slightly sticky. Add the carob powder a bit at a time. Take a bit of the dough, put a raspberry in the centre, and form into a 2.5cm ball. Roll the ball in the remaining LSA to coat. Put the carob delight in the refrigerator in a air tight container
Fried eggs and ham breakfast >>> poached eggs and avocado
Frying off some eggs and ham to use up leftovers is common especially after a big night! However a healthier option is opting for poached eggs and avocado and saving the ham for salads, wraps or in frittata’s.
