Healthy superfoods to add to your Christmas menu
| Dec 24, 2019, 22:00 IST
A healthy diet and nutritious foods tend to go out the window during the Christmas season. Who can blame you when there are so many delicious treats on offer, like fruitcake and cheesy pies. However, if you can't put your health goals on pause, here are a few superfoods to add to your Christmas menu that are healthy.
* Quinoa with cranberries
Quinoa is loaded with protein and fibre. This gluten-free product also contains all the essential amino acids. Meanwhile, the cranberries have a high amount of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Mix the two ingredients together with orange juice and parsley. Not only will it add a pop of colour to your Christmas table, but it is also packed with nutrition.
Salad is probably the one item on the menu that you can pack with nutritious ingredients. Opt to add kale, which is low in calories and high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to give your digestive system aboost, which is good because you are sure to be consuming a heavy meal. You should also add beets to your salad, which is good for the immune system and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Make sure to make a festive dressing to go with your meal.
* Pear andcinnamon dessert
No festive meal is complete without a scrumptious dessert. Just because you have to make a healthy one, doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste. Best of all, this recipe doesn't take too long to make. Cook a few pears with sunflower seeds and cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy it with a bit of yoghurt. This dessert is packed with fibre and vitamin C. It also aids digestion.
*Sweet potatoes with maple syrup
Sweet potatoes contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.Combine the potatoes with maple syrup and smoked paprika. No oil is required to make this dish.
* Quinoa with cranberries
Quinoa is loaded with protein and fibre. This gluten-free product also contains all the essential amino acids. Meanwhile, the cranberries have a high amount of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Mix the two ingredients together with orange juice and parsley. Not only will it add a pop of colour to your Christmas table, but it is also packed with nutrition.
Salad is probably the one item on the menu that you can pack with nutritious ingredients. Opt to add kale, which is low in calories and high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to give your digestive system aboost, which is good because you are sure to be consuming a heavy meal. You should also add beets to your salad, which is good for the immune system and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Make sure to make a festive dressing to go with your meal.
* Pear andcinnamon dessert
No festive meal is complete without a scrumptious dessert. Just because you have to make a healthy one, doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste. Best of all, this recipe doesn't take too long to make. Cook a few pears with sunflower seeds and cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy it with a bit of yoghurt. This dessert is packed with fibre and vitamin C. It also aids digestion.
*Sweet potatoes with maple syrup
Sweet potatoes contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.Combine the potatoes with maple syrup and smoked paprika. No oil is required to make this dish.