One of the joys of Christmas is the delicious food, however often over indulging leaves us feeling sluggish, tired and unmotivated. Of course, we all love to have our fair share of mince pies, Christmas cake and chocolate, however balancing these foods with some nutrient dense foods, will not only help you manage your weight, but could help you feel better.

Here’s a list of the most nutritious Christmas foods you can tuck into to give your body what it needs without missing out on all the festive feasting. 

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You don’t have to be nervous about missing out on all the amazing food that’s around at Christmas time. There’s plenty you can load up on that’s going to help you feel super and head into the new year on track. 

Roasted chestnuts. Chestnuts are delicious and also rich in antioxidants. Even when roasted, they have high levels of vitamin C, essential for repair of our bodies and aiding iron absorption. Increase the amount of antioxidants available to you by roasting them at lower temperatures or drying them out in a dehydrator. 

Brussel sprouts. Love them or hate them, these cruciferous veggies are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as high in fibre. They’re especially high in vitamin K, which supports our bone health. Try tossing them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic before roasting for a crispy, tasty side. 

Cranberry sauce. No Christmas dinner is complete without it and these small berries are antioxidant powerhouses. They’ve also been shown to prevent urinary tract infections, improve memory and coordination, and protect us from certain cancers. If you’ve never made your own before, this could be the year, and that way you can make it lower sugar. Or check supermarket versions for ‘lower sugar’ versions too. 

Parsnips and carrots. Roasted and glazed with a little honey, these root vegetables are full of vitamins C, K, E, antioxidants, folate, as well as fibre to keep your digestive system in check over the holidays.  

Red cabbage. In just a single cup, red cabbage contains nearly 56% of your daily vitamin C needs. Braised with a little vinegar and honey, red cabbage adds a dose of colour to Christmas day. Red cabbage also contains a compound called sulforaphane which has been linked to heart health benefits and cancer protection. 

Smoked salmon. Together with a little cream cheese, many of us enjoy salmon at some point during the holidays. It’s rich in essentialOmega-3 fatty acids which is important for brain function, healthy aging, and our heart health. A 100-gram serving also offers all of your daily B12 needs. Winner, winner, salmon dinner. 

Turkey. Still the centre piece of many Christmas dinners, this popular protein source aids in the growth and maintenance of muscles and helps nutrients move around our bodies. High in many B vitamins, it may also be a healthier option when compared to red meats like beef.  

Clementines, satsumas, and tangerines. These juicy citrus fruits are low in calories and high in nutrients and antioxidants. Full of natural substances called flavonoids, they act as anti-inflammatories that may also protect our brains from neurodegenerative diseases. Rejoice when you find one lurking in your Christmas stocking! 

Are there other Christmas foods you just can’t go without? Get creative and find ways to make them that little bit healthier, like swapping processed white sugar for natural sweeteners, or white carbs for wholegrain. If there’s no way to change them, you absolutely don’t have to! Opt for a smaller portion or tuck in a little frequently over the festive season and you’ll be onto a winner. 

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