These 10 healthy and delicious Christmas recipes really do allow you to have your cake and eat it. There are healthy Christmas treats and healthy versions of traditional recipes for Christmas day.
Health and Christmas may not naturally seem to go together hand in hand. But even at Christmas you may want to continue your healthy diet (or even start one!) Healthy Christmas recipes can be every bit as delicious and enjoyable, and a treat to share with friends and family. Sharing healthy food together is a lovely way to enjoy time together and show your family that you care about them.
Feasting around midwinter is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. And still today, food is a hugely important part of our Christmas celebrations. But nowadays most of us are lucky enough to have access to much more food than we would have done in the past.
According to a survey carried out for the Independent a couple of years ago, the average person eats nearly 6000 calories on Christmas day alone.
That’s 3 times the average energy requirement for a woman, and certainly enough to give many people a tummy ache.
For many of us Christmas lunch is the most important meal that we prepare throughout the year, and the average family spends over £150 on food and drink over the holiday period.
A traditional Christmas lunch isn’t inherently unhealthy. White meat, sprouts, carrots…. However, it’s the trimmings, the snacks and other treats that are pushing us towards the 6000 calories.
But you really can enjoy healthy Christmas treats which are better for you. Often it’s just a case of finding the right recipes.
So here are our top 10 healthy and delicious Christmas recipes. Give some of them a try!
No added sugar fruit cake
This low sugar fruit cake recipe has all the richness of dried fruit and sweet spices, but without the extra added sugar. Try decorating it with dried fruits and nuts rather than the usual icing.
No added sugar fruit cake recipe
Honey and almond marzipan
This healthy marzipan recipe contains much more of the good -for-you almonds, and much less of the not-so-good-for-you sugar. It takes minutes to make. Roll it into balls to enjoy as sweets, or or use it to make decorations for your Christmas cake
Honey and almond marzipan recipe
Healthy mince pies
A healthy mincemeat bursting with juicy dried fruit, apple and Christmas spices, wrapped in a thin crisp pastry case. A homemade mince pie is always going to impress!
Healthy Christmas pudding recipe
This healthy Christmas pudding is lighter and spongier than a traditional pud. It's still rich in spices and dried fruit, but is also gluten free, low in saturated fat, and has no added sugar. It's a bit easier to digest after a big Christmas feast!
Coconut chocolate truffles
These super chocolatey rich and decadent truffles contain coconut butter and desiccated coconut. They deliver everything a good truffle should and make a perfect gift or after dinner treat.
Coconut chocolate truffle recipe
Carrot and apple soup
Adding a delicious soup to your menu is a great way to squeeze in some extra veg. This recipe for carrot and apple soup is perfect for the big day, or as a lighter lunch when you want something warm and comforting
Quick, healthy mackerel pate
This healthy mackerel pate recipe takes minutes to make. Great to serve as part of a buffet or selection of nibbles, or as part of a light lunch. It is packed with omega 3 oils to keep you on top form over the festive period
Quick, healthy mackerel pate recipe
Braised red cabbage
Braised red cabbage is a traditional side dish with Christmas lunch in our house. The recipe contains no added sugar, and is suitable for the slow cooker or the stove. It can be prepared in advance, and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Or get ahead with the cooking, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll reheat easily on the big day, and there’s one less thing to think about
Roast sweet potatoes, white potatoes and carrots
Adding sweet potatoes and carrots to your roasties adds extra goodness and flavour. White potatoes aren’t one of your five a day, but this recipe delivers two portions of veg. It’s as comforting as roast potatoes, and is great served with cold meats if you don’t want to risk something different on Christmas day itself
Roast sweet potatoes, white potatoes and carrots recipe
Healthy cranberry sauce
The last of our top 10 healthy and delicious Christmas recipes is for a healthy cranberry sauce. Sauces and accompaniments are part of what makes Christmas day lunch so special. Traditional cranberry sauce is a perfect complement to turkey, and its bright colour looks very festive. However, bought cranberry sauce contains nearly as much sugar as jam. This recipe is much healthier, and takes minutes to make. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge ready for the 25th. It also makes a lovely gift if you have some pretty jars.
Healthy cranberry sauce recipe
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