Christmas is one of the holidays that we look forward to. The atmosphere, the presents, the gathering with loved ones, and the delicious Christmas foods.
However, just because it is a holiday does not mean that you should not be looking out for your health. In this article we will be listing out our top 8 Christmas foods that are actually unhealthy, and what are some of the healthy options that you can go for.
Top 8 Unhealthy Christmas Foods
Eggnog
This traditional holiday beverage is one of the worst offenders for hidden calories. Adding the requisite amount of bourbon to the unhealthy combo of sugar, eggs, and whipped cream results in a whopping 343 calories. That is almost the recommended daily sugar intake for a whole day!
Pigs In Blanket
Christmas may seem to be the perfect justification to “pig” out. However, sausage and bacon are both processed meats, which means they have very less nutritional value and frequently contain preservatives and have high salt levels. You are looking at 20g of fat, 16g of protein, and 281 calories per 100g for this delight.
Fruitcake
It might sound healthy because there are the word fruits in it however, it is very calorie dense. Fruitcake typically contains a lot of butter, sugar, and syrup, making it heavy in fat. The same is true of Panettone, an Italian bread that has gained popularity over the holidays.
Mince Pies
Who does not love buttery flaky pastries filled with savory meat fillings, right? But you will be surprised by the high amount of calories this small pastry contains. Each little pie contains a whopping 300 calories and have lots of sugar.
Yule Log
This chocolate cake covered in chocolate icing is one of those foods that contain a high number of calories in it. With 467 calories per slice and tons of sugar, this dessert will definitely causes you a sugar rush during the holiday.
Cranberry Sauce
Even though these tiny red berries are renowned for their nutritional value, cranberry sauce contains a substantial amount of sugar. Each serving of typical canned cranberry sauce can include up to 105g of sugar, which adds about 400 calories to your meal.
Gravy
The big Christmas feast isn’t complete without gravy, yet we seldom ever pause to consider what it is. Homemade gravy is frequently thickened by adding white flour or cornstarch, which increases the recipe’s carbohydrate and sugar content, while the traditional use of fat drippings increases the amount of fat and salt by a significant amount.
Mulled Wine
Long contested for its potential health advantages, red wine may really be beneficial for the heart in small doses, according to research. Mulled wine, however, is unfortunately not the same because it frequently has a significant quantity of added sugar to sweeten it.
Options For Making Your Christmas Foods More Healthy
Parsnips
Parsnips are a good alternative to potatoes because they are loaded with potassium and folate, both of which are good for your heart. They are also a fantastic source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and is ideal for warding off any Christmas-related illnesses. With parsnips you get 0g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 71 calories per 100g
Turkey
Turkey is a western mainstay for Christmas, so perhaps not an “alternative” per se, but well worth mentioning as it is not as popular in Singapore. Turkey meat is lean, mean, protein-packed powerhouse that is also high in tryptophan, a substance required by the brain to make serotonin, the “joy hormone.” Try to consume as much lean leg and breast meat as you can because light meat is healthier than dark meat. Turkey gives 30g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 3g fat, and 157 calories per 100g.
Brussels Sprout
Sprouts are the dish you want to fill your holiday platter with the most. These little green snacks are a good source of vitamins K and C as well as sulfur compounds, which aid the liver’s detoxification functions. That’s because fiber maintains a healthy and happy digestive tract. To bring out the sweetness of your sprouts and to add more flavor, try roasting them together with some chopped almonds or cranberries.
Further Reading On Healthy Foods
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.