Christmas dinner is healthier than you think!

Did you know that the traditional Christmas dinner is actually packed with nutrition?

In fact, many foods we enjoy at Christmas are actually not that unhealthy at all and just a few smart adjustments to some of the favourites can go a long way in minimising your level of over-indulgence!

The Christmas turkey is packed with protein and is particularly rich in an important amino acid called tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, the so-called “feel good brain chemical” also responsible for a good night's sleep and calmer mood.

Festive red cabbage is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanin which has been shown in some research to have anti-ageing properties and be heart health protective.

Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables which are a key group of vegetables for your liver’s detoxification processes. Cruciferous vegetables particularly help with the healthy breakdown and clearance of used oestrogen, which is KEY for healthy hormone balance. So, don’t scrimp on these little green delights! They’re extra delicious sauteed with chopped bacon and olive oil.

Typical festive roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips are packed with antioxidants and fibre, as long as they're not too overcooked. Also include roasted beetroot to add more colour into the roasted vegetable mix!

Including other green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cauliflower adds even more nutrient, fibre and cruciferous-rich goodness to your plate.

Cooking with healthier oils

Avoid cooking with sunflower, rapeseed or vegetable oils and sprays as these are what’s known as ‘trans’ fats and offer no nutritional benefits at all. In fact, trans fats have been shown to be inflammatory to the cells of the body and brain. Instead, cook with coconut oil or light olive oil. Roasting potatoes in goose fat is preferable over the trans fats oils as goose fat is a natural saturated fat. 

Healthy ideas & swaps for savoury nibbles

Instead of refined white flour snacks such as crackers with your festive cheese, choose oatcakes or German dark rye bread cut into smaller squares instead, which come with fibre and a slower and lesser release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Swap pastry canapes for vegetable crudites of celery, mange tout, carrots and peppers with hummus, cheese, cottage cheese and guacamole.

Add protein-rich nibbles such as chicken skewers, prawn skewers, smoked salmon slices and quality cheeses.

Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate.

Swap crisps for olives and nuts such as cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, pecan and walnuts.

Let’s now have a look at some healthier ways to enjoy some of your favourite festive sweet treats!

Mince pies with a healthy spin

Mince pies don't have to be laden with gluten, white flour and sugar. Why not make your own with ingredients such as ground almonds (instead of flour) and maple syrup (instead of sugar). We love this Junius-approved healthier mince pie recipe you might like to try at home. 

Add more festive health benefits with our ZIP range?

This month we are celebrating our ZIP juice and shot for their festive rich red colour due to the antioxidant-rich red plants we include in the science-backed recipe.

Invigorate your body this festive season with a month’s supply of our ZIP juice and shot. The juice is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids from organic hibiscus flowers and carrots blended with immune-supportive quercetin from red apples and anti-inflammatory, digestive- helping ginger. The shot contains oxygenating beetroot and guarana to naturally boost energy levels.