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Health

12th Dec 2012

Tucking in to the Turkey: Georgina Ahern on how to get the Best from Your Christmas Dinner

Yes we all over-indulge at Christmas, but don't be too hard on yourself - remember that some essential parts of the Christmas dinner are really good for you, and enjoy!

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Christmas is of course a time when we all enjoy ourselves and overindulge in everything – from chocolates to drinks to turkey to stuffing etc., but…

There are actually many positives to some of the festive foods we will be enjoying.

So pack up your plates with the right ones, and don’t feel too guilty.

Brussels sprouts are a great detox food, a very good thing at this time of year.

With a high fibre content, lots of Vitamin C – a great boost for the winter months to keep your immune system strong, and protein they are definitely a Christmas superfood. The good news is they are low in fat and calories too, so stock up on the Brussels and leave less room for some of the rubbish if you can!

Skinless Turkey is also a low-fat meat which is high in protein and very lean. White meat has way fewer calories than red meat and is a lot leaner. Your cholesterol levels will thank you for more white meat in favour of red meat too.

The traditional Christmas Day bird is high in protein, zinc, potassium and B12, and also high in tryptophan, which triggers the serotonin in your body and acts as a mood enhancer. So turkey literally makes you full of the joys of Christmas! 

After your several helpings of lean skinless turkey meat you may begin to feel sleepy and ready for some Christmas Day snoozing in front of the TV, as the tryptophan can also make you a little sleepy, and who doesn’t love a little nap after that mammoth dinner?

In a nutshell (nuts are good for you too by the way) both foods actually help towards a happy healthy Christmas spirit!

Enjoy tucking in!

 

G xx

 

Topics:

Eating Well