The end of the year often means an abundance of calorie-laden meals, boxes of chocolates lingering in the kitchen, canapés catching your eye, and temptations that just keep getting better… In short, a nightmare for our waistline! Yet some festive foods are perfectly wholesome and won’t add a single gram.
So, to get through the festive season without gaining weight, here are 7 holiday foods you can enjoy completely guilt-free…
Oysters
Oysters are a regular guest at our festive tables, and that’s great news for our figure! Oysters are very low in calories, rich in trace elements, iron, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat and made up of 80% water. Squeeze over a little lemon juice, a fruit celebrated for its anti-cellulite and detox properties, and you’re onto a winner!
Prawns
When it comes to festive foods that won’t make you gain weight, prawns are an excellent choice. They’re packed with protein, very low in fat and light on calories. They make a perfect light yet delicious festive starter (as long as you skip the mayo, of course!).
Scallops
Seafood and shellfish really do have it all at Christmas! Scallops, on top of being absolutely delicious, are a great choice for keeping your figure in check. They’re packed with minerals, iron and vitamins — all with very few calories. Enjoy them freely! Just keep an eye on the accompaniments, particularly rich sauces, which can add up quickly.
White meat
Chicken or turkey, white meat is a classic main course at festive gatherings. The beauty of this meat is that it’s high in protein, vitamins and minerals, and relatively low in calories — provided you choose a breast portion, skin-free, and don’t drown it in sauce. White meat is a great way to feel satisfied without blowing your calorie budget!
Champagne
Good news — you won’t have to stick to still water at your New Year’s Eve celebration! Champagne is one of the alcoholic drinks lowest in calories, at around 80 calories per glass. Enjoyed in moderation, it has every right to feature on this list of festive foods that won’t make you gain weight. That said, keep it to one or two glasses over the meal, and opt for brut champagne without added fruit liqueur or syrup.
Clementines — one of the festive foods you can enjoy (almost) without restraint!
Clementines should absolutely have a place on your table at dessert time. Rich in vitamins, fibre and water, they’re ideal for a light, sweet finish to the meal.
Frozen yule log
Finally, because Christmas wouldn’t quite be Christmas without a yule log, we’re giving the frozen version a well-deserved spot on our list of festive foods that won’t pile on the pounds! Far lower in sugar, fat and calories than the traditional cream-filled log, the frozen sorbet version is a brilliant alternative. Just stick to one slice!
Feeling a little heavy after an indulgent festive meal? Focus on hydration! As well as supporting digestion, drinking water helps reduce bloating, flush out toxins and prevent fluid and fat retention. For an effective slimming and detox boost, try the Drainer! With its unique blend of fruits, algae and natural plants, you’ll feel your best — even after a particularly generous meal.
