Festive Foods That Actually Support Your Health
Christmas food has a reputation for being heavy and indulgent, but actually, many traditional festive foods are incredibly good for you. They are rich in nutrients, packed with fibre and great for your energy, digestion and hormones.
Here are some ingredients that are likely already on your Christmas table and can help you feel lighter, brighter and more balanced through the festive season.
1. Brussels Sprouts
Yes, you probably love them or hate them, but Brussels Sprouts are rich in :
Vitamin C (great for immunity and collagen)
Vitamin K (important for bone health)
Fibre for gut health and digestion
Try this:
Roast them with chestnuts, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Delicious and nourishing.
2. Chestnuts — The Unsung Hero
Unlike other nuts, chestnuts are:
Lower in fat
High in fibre
Naturally sweet
Great for your gut
They’re perfect for energy and digestion during a heavy-meal season.
3. Cranberries
Cranberries are bursting with polyphenols, which support:
Immunity
Urinary health
Gut bacteria
Inflammation reduction
Skip the sugary sauce and try adding fresh or frozen cranberries to porridge or yoghurt instead.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps improve insulin sensitivity and steadies blood sugar, which is ideal when mince pies and chocolates are everywhere.
Sprinkle it on:
Porridge
Coffee
Warm apples
Greek yoghurt
5. Turkey
Turkey contains tryptophan, which supports the production of serotonin and melatonin, both key to mood and sleep.
Pair your turkey with:
Veg
Fibre
Healthy fats
To support balanced energy throughout the day.
6. Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes are full of:
Fibre
Beta-carotene
Slow-digesting carbs
They help you stay satisfied and avoid the post-lunch slump.
A Simple, Nourishing Recipe: Cranberry Oat Crumble
Ingredients:
2 cups berries (add a handful of cranberries for a festive twist)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oats
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Pinch of salt
Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
A lighter, gut-friendly alternative to heavy puddings.
Christmas food doesn’t have to derail your health. It can actually support it by choosing these nourishing Ingredients.