Christmas time is renowned for overindulgence and expanding waistlines. Foods high in fat and sugar are everywhere and difficult to avoid. It is also a very busy time and we can fall out of our everyday routine, especially when it comes to exercising. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, making just a few simple swaps can really help you to stay on track.
Swaps:
- Swap whipped cream for low fat crème fraiche.
- Swap crisps for carrot and celery sticks with tasty dips.
- Swap shop bought dips for homemade tomato salsa, guacomole or homemade hummus.
- Swap sweet hot chocolate for warm milk with cinnamon.
- Swap cocktail sausages for small marinated chicken bites.
- Season your potatoes with herbs and spices such as chives, thyme, garlic and rosemary instead of butter and salt.
- Instead of the traditional desserts such as Christmas cake and mince pies, serve warm winter berry compote with natural yoghurt or try these individual berry trifles.
- Avoid traditional Irish breakfasts with rashers, sausages and puddings. Instead opt for fruit and homemade granola or healthy pancakes.
- When visitors call don’t have the cupboards stocked with tins of sweets and biscuits. Instead make homemade fruit and nut granola bars or wholemeal raspberry scones.
- Instead of having prawn cocktail or creamy vol-au- vents for starters, try a healthy fish cake.
