The healthy Christmas menu– AXA PPP healthcare’s alternative to too many festive treats

LONDON - December 22 2008

Looking for advice on how to have a healthy Christmas? If the present you’re dreaming of is to wake up in January without too many pounds to lose, then AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition & Fitness site and resident experts can help. The site’s jam packed full of top tips and savvy alternatives to fat-filled festive treats, check out a taster below so you can enjoy all the trimmings!

Nutrition & Fitness’ dietician Azmina Govindji suggests...

• Alternative Christmas menu – Fancy messing things up over Christmas and breaking the rules. Think olive oil, couscous, tomatoes – you’ll be full of energy on Boxing Day with these superfoods. Meat-free Christmas options will save you cash as well - maybe Slow-roasted winter vegetables? Butternut squash risotto? Spinach and ricotta lasagne?

• Clever turkey dishes – Be smart with your turkey, whip up gorgeous pan-fried turkey steaks in creamy mushroom sauce – enough to silence any Christmas traditionalist

• Christmas fish dishes - An appetising, super-healthy choice for a seasonal menu. Try smoked haddock with crème fraiche and chives served with oven-baked seasonal vegetables

• Christmas leftover recipes – Learn the art of making great meals from leftovers. Gets rid of the guilt about not clearing your plate– think Boxing Day salads, turkey curries, sandwiches, stir-fry’s or soups

Head to Nutrition and Fitness for more light Christmas tips

Plus, if on the big day only traditional Christmas fair will do, then remind yourself of the hidden goodness in the festive menu:
• Smoked salmon - Only 80 calories per portion and a good source of protein and omega-3 fats
• Roast turkey  - Protein-rich and low-fat, especially if you chose light meat like breast steaks
• Satsumas - Half your daily vitamin C in just one stocking-filler!
• Chestnuts - The only low-fat nut in existence and great for roasting

Learn more about Christmas menu benefits on AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition & Fitness.
Christmas is the time of year to treat yourself but there’s easy ways to temper that with good food.  You can also look up your personalised fitness profiles on-site and get your health, nutrition, fitness and well-being questions answered. So you’re all ready to kick-start 2009 in fantastic health. Enjoy!