When it comes to festive desserts mince pies and Christmas pudding are almost always on the menu. Whilst both are tasty, traditional treats they are also high in calories and refined sugar plus they often contain dangerous trans fats. So this year why not try and add some healthy options to your Christmas dessert menu by using the three suggestions I have provided below?
1) FRUIT SALAD:- Fruit salad is a simple, healthy dessert choice. All you need is a selection of your favourite fresh fruit and some fruit juice. Once you have your ingredients chop the fruit, put it in a large bowl and pour in the juice. To finish place the bowl in your fridge overnight so that the juices can soak into the fruit. The health benefits of fruit salads depend upon the fruits you choose but almost all types are rich in fibre and a selection of vitamins. Fibre promotes good bowel health and improved blood sugar control whilst vitamins help your body perform a number of vital functions. Plus, since most fruits are rich in fibre and water they are a low calorie alternative to other desserts.
2) NATURAL FRUIT SMOOTHIES:- Fruit smoothies are a fantastic alternative to fruit salads that offer similar health benefits and give your dessert that unique twist. To create your own fruit smoothies you need a blender, a selection of your favourite fruits, some fresh fruit juice and some milk. To prepare you simply add all the ingredients to a blender, blend and pour. If you are struggling for smoothie ideas then you should check out FlowerCarole.com which contains over 350 natural smoothie recipes.
3) NATURAL YOGURT WITH BLUEBERRIES:- Natural yoghurt contains high levels of the B vitamins, calcium, potassium and protein. Natural yoghurt’s health benefits include supporting strong bones and strengthening your immune system. Although natural yoghurt does contain some refined sugar it contains much lower levels than most other dessert options.
Mixing the natural yoghurt with blueberries adds some natural sweetness to the dish plus some fibre and vitamin C. The health benefits of blueberries include improved brain health, promoting healthy vision, protection from certain cancers (including colon cancer and ovarian cancer) and protection from damaging free radicals.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies. However, by offering the alternatives discussed above you can get the best of both worlds and provide your guests with a choice of healthy and traditional Christmas desserts.
Sources:
FlowerCarole.com
World Health Foods
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