The festivities are finally upon us, Christmas music is playing through the radio and around supermarkets, the work dos, nights out with friends, family events, and the regret for not getting the Christmas shopping and turkey order in earlier is building. Undoubtedly, Christmas is a time for family, fun and joy, but it can certainly take its toll on our bodies.
In last week’s blog, we had a look at some of the best self-care activities to keep us feeling calm and positive in the madness of the festive season. One of those activities included a healthy and nutritious approach to food. As a nutritional therapist, I not only have great interest in the way good food can truly transform our lives, I also have a great deal of knowledge which I love to share. With that in mind, here are four fantastic meals which will help you keep your energy up, the gut happy, and the immune system working well; plus a few of my favourite winter drinks for good measure.
Healthy Chicken Veg Curry
A favourite with my family and friends, my healthy chicken curry is warming, full of flavour and finished in fewer than 30-minutes! There can be no excuse for not having a healthy home cooked meal when this can be so easily on the menu.
Big Green Frittata
Green is good at this time of year since it usually means lots of iron and high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are excellent for the liver and support digestion. My Big Green Frittata is a really easy evening meal if you need to whip up something light and speedy. It is also a great option for lunch, rather than a dull sandwich, something expensive from the canteen, or a meal deal from the shop on route to work.
Chickpeas with Tomato, Parsley and Cumin
Perhaps one of the most flavoursome and easy to make meals possible; this delicious combination of ingredients is ready to eat in just 5 minutes. Serve with brown rice and a leafy salad and that’s dinner done! What’s more, chickpeas are a great source of protein, fibre and essential minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium. Tomatoes and parsley pack in the vitamin C and cumin helps to stimulate easy digestion.
Falafel
Delicious hot or cold, falafels are the perfect companion to a healthy lunchtime salad or wrap, as well as an accompaniment to an evening meal (think Mediterranean couscous and hummus). With a sweet potato base, are as filling and nutritious as they are scrumptious!
Winter Protection Juice
The office flu teamed with late nights and a busy schedule is a recipe for the notorious Christmas cold. My Winter Protection Juice is a delicious and nutrient-rich concoction which will support the immune system as well as any sore heads after Christmas celebrations. Amongst the ingredients are apples, lime, celery, beetroot and carrots.
Immune Boosting Winter Shots
No prizes for guessing what this super-juice does. The Immune Boosting Winter Shots are a blend of apple (an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, pectin and other fibres), ginger (known for its anti-inflammatory properties and great when feeling nauseous), and turmeric (also an anti-inflammatory and a source of anti-oxidants).
The Winter Warmer
There isn’t a recipe for this one since it is so simple. It is warm almond milk, topped with cacao and a sprinkling of cinnamon for a soothing and comforting way to end the day.
With these meals and drinks supporting you though the festive season, you’re sure to make the most of Christmas time. For more tasty and nutritious recipes, why not click this link? In the meantime, have a fabulous and fun month of celebrations, rather than suffering with flu and bad heads!
If you would like a bespoke nutrition plan which is tailored to your individual dietary needs or problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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