Oranges are a fruit that have been traditionally associated with Christmas due to the legend of St Nicholas (270 A.D.-347 A.D.). More recently this tradition has become weaker and oranges are now eaten all year round. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of this festive fruit. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ORANGES? Oranges are believed to have been grown in China as early as 2500 B.C. However, they were not introduced to England until 1290 A.D. when a Spanish ship full of oranges arrived at Southampton. Oranges were considered a luxury fruit until the start of the 20th … [Read more...]
5 Low Calorie Alcoholic Drinks To Consume This Christmas & New Year
When it comes to Christmas and New Year, low calorie alcoholic drinks can do wonders for your waistline. After all, alcohol is not the healthiest of drink choices. It contains 7 calories per gram making it the most calorie rich food group behind dietary fats (which contain 9 calories per gram). It also contains no vitamins or minerals, hence the reason the calories in alcohol are often referred to as “empty calories”. However, the reality is that most people (even those who lead a relatively healthy lifestyle) enjoy alcohol to some degree. With the Christmas holidays now in full swing and … [Read more...]
5 High Calorie Alcoholic Drinks To Avoid This Christmas & New Year
In an ideal world we would completely abstain from alcohol. However, the reality is that many people who lead a healthy lifestyle enjoy the odd drink (myself included). With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching you are likely to be consuming much more alcohol than normal. Unfortunately, only dietary fats (at 9 calories per gram) contain more calories than alcohol (at 7 calories per gram), making it one of the highest calorie beverages available. If you are not careful all the extra alcohol you consume over Christmas and New Year can quickly turn into excess holiday pounds. Today I … [Read more...]
5 Healthy Teas To Try This Christmas
One thing that Christmas brings with it every year is cold weather. The positive side of this is that it gives you the opportunity to try some new hot beverages. Whilst hot chocolate and mulled wine are popular festive choices, today I am going to be looking at the more traditional hot drink tea. Tea has numerous health benefits and also contains zero calories which means it can help prevent you from piling on the Christmas pounds. Below I will be discussing 5 healthy teas that you can try this Christmas. 1) BLACK TEA:- Black tea is the most popular form of tea. In fact I know very few … [Read more...]
5 Low Calorie Christmas Food Substitutes
With Christmas on the horizon you may think that healthy eating is going to take a back seat until the New Year. Chocolate, Christmas pudding and mince pies are not what many would consider healthy foods and they are certainly not low in calories. However, if you make a few smart substitutions over the festive period you can sneak in some healthy foods whilst still enjoying the Christmas treats. Today I am going to help you do just that with a list of 5 low calorie Christmas food substitutes. 1) CLOTTED CREAM > NATURAL YOGURT:- Clotted cream is a popular side dish at Christmas. When … [Read more...]
Turkey: A Healthy Festive Food
Turkey is the traditional meat used for Christmas dinner. The history of this festive food dates back to 1526 when William Strickland introduced this meat to the UK. Following this introduction the popularity of turkey has skyrocketed and during Christmas 2008 approximately 10 million turkeys were consumed in the UK. The good news is that turkey is popular for a reason. Not only is it tasty but it is also extremely healthy. That's why today I am going to be taking a detailed look at this festive meat and the health benefits it can provide. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF TURKEY? Turkey was … [Read more...]
How To Cook the Perfect Christmas Turkey
Turkey has become the most popular Christmas meat with over 10 million turkeys being consumed in the UK each year over the festive period. But just how do you cook the perfect Christmas turkey? Follow the instructions below and you won't go wrong. INGREDIENTS: - A 14 pound (lb)/6.5 kilogram (kg) turkey (this will feed about 12 people). - 175 grams (g) of butter (this will need to be adjusted if you have a different sized turkey). - 3.5 litres (ltr) of stuffing (this will need to be adjusted if you have a different sized turkey). - 4 cups of water or turkey stock. - Salt. - Ground … [Read more...]
Keep Yourself Fighting Fit This Christmas
As we approach the end of the year, Christmas is not far away. Unfortunately, in terms of fitness, Christmas can be a potential minefield. Alcohol always seems to be flowing, the weather is cold, dark and icy (making you less likely to want to leave the comfort of your own home to exercise), high calorie treats are everywhere you turn and parties seem to be happening every other day. However, with the right advice you can still maintain a fitness routine during the festive period. That's why today I am going to be looking back at some of my previous Christmas posts and outlining how you … [Read more...]
3 Healthy Christmas Dinner Desserts
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 … [Read more...]
8 Healthy Christmas Dinner Ideas
Christmas dinner is normally filled with tasty treats. Roast potatoes, stuffing and thick gravy are all regular fixtures in this festive meal. Whilst these are delicious foods they are often rich in calories and low in nutrients. That is why today I am providing you with eight healthy Christmas dinner ideas. 1) BEEF:- When it comes to the Christmas roast, turkey is by far the most popular choice. However, if you fancy something a little different this year I highly recommend a nice succulent joint of beef. In recent years people have avoided red meats because of their relatively high … [Read more...]