5 reasons why your Christmas Dinner is good for you

It’s the festive season and there’s much talk about the ‘huge’ number of calories that will be consumed while enjoying your Christmas dinner (some sensationalists have it at 5,000 calories but we think that’s a bit extreme), then there’s the amount of sugar that we take in over the festive period, and of course, the weight we’ll pile on over that week from Christmas Eve to New Year’s. 

The truth is, we could all watch what we eat during the festivities and be ‘better behaved’ or ‘careful’ but if you want to splurge…then you should be allowed to. So, instead of telling you how to cut calories over Christmas, Fit Squad DXB personal trainer and nutrition coach Devinder Bains gives you five reasons why your Christmas dinner is actually good for you. So stop feeling guilty…tis the season to be jolly!

Roasties with the mosties 

As with most roast dinners, potatoes are pretty much the number one ingredient in making the perfect Christmas meal, but they get a bad rep for being heavy on the carbs and high GI, but actually they’re a very nutritious vegetable. Gluten-free and low in calories (one large spud is about 110 cals) they also contain half your daily Vitamin C requirement - essential for the immune system and tissue repair. Potatoes are also high in antioxidants (handy in avoiding that boxing day hangover) and they have more potassium than a banana - a mineral that’s needed for fluid balance, reducing water retention and blood pressure, preventing osteoporosis and kidney stones and protecting against stroke.

No fowl play

There’s one thing on your plate that’s hard to argue you with and that’s your main meat. Considered to be one of the leanest proteins you can eat, a serving of turkey has about 25g of protein and less than 5g of fat —regardless of the cut. It’s also packed with various B Vitamins including B3 niacin which contributes towards a healthy metabolism and helps process sugars and fatty acids into energy.

Saucy business 

No turkey dinner is complete without a side of cranberry sauce, and as well as making the meat taste great it is jam-packed with goodness. Cranberries are a superfood that are so full of health benefits, they’re only second to blueberries (beating every other fruit and vegetable) when it comes to antioxidant count. Cranberries are also rich in Vitamin C and fibre, as well as the metabolism-boosting mineral manganese, they can help prevent urinary tract infections, help improve your digestion, reduce bad cholesterol, prevent gum disease as well as boost your immune system.

Wine not?

Mulled wine is a Christmas must and now you can enjoy it without the premature beer fear of being unhealthy. The fact it’s rich in cell damage preventing antioxidants, known to reduce cardiovascular diseases and increase good cholesterol means you’ll actually be doing your insides some good! Add a stick of cinnamon for anti-inflammatory benefits and strong bones, nutmeg for detoxifying goodness to clean out that liver (again handy with that hangover) and enjoy the overall benefits of anti-ageing to boot!

Just Desserts

It’s no secret that Christmas pud is a little high in sugar, but it’s also packed with antioxidant-rich, high fibre fruits such as raisins, currants and sultanas. Studies have shown that regular intake of raisins can reduce risk of heart disease, help fight cancer and improve eye and skin health. The famous pud is also a good source of minerals, with one ounce of raisins providing around 50mg of iron (about the same as in an ounce of steak) which is vital for good blood health and great for eliminating fatigue - especially when that afternoon slump sets in just after the Queen’s speech.

Read next: Five Healthy Snacks to make at home

Want to get on top of your weight loss goals? Book a free consultation with one of our personal trainers now by calling or WhatsApping us on +971 55 542 7231 or emailing us at info@fitsquaddxb.com