Nourishing the Festive Season: Chef Annabel’s Guide to Healthier Celebrations
Merry Christmas Studio Ash Community
I'm Annabel, a nutritional chef, and I'm thrilled to share some of my tips for a healthier festive season. Over the past decade, I've had the joy of working with renowned actors and musicians worldwide, crafting nutritious and delicious meals in line with their aesthetic goals for optimal wellbeing.
Trained at Leith's School of Food and Wine in London, my passion for veg-centric cooking blends classic techniques with innovative flavours. I’m currently living in Singapore, working as a chef and studying an MSc in Food, Health and Nutrition.
I have written a collection of nourishing, delicious and simple recipes for this app, I hope you enjoy them and they add some new inspiration to your weekly menus at home. In the meantime, the Festive season is fast approaching and whilst it’s a wonderful time to celebrate and eat that extra mince pie, I’m sure, like me, you would like to start 2024 in the most positive and energetic way! Here are my top tips for navigating the next few weeks so you enjoy all the delicious food, without feeling like you need an IV drip to recover.
Nourish Yourself this Festive Season
1. Embrace Plant-Powered Delights:
Incorporate nutrient-dense, plant-based dishes into your festive spreads. Opt for vibrant hearty salads with roasted root vegetables, and plant-based proteins, add spiced nuts and seasonal chestnuts for flavour, texture and nutrition. Get creative with brussel sprouts and kale, both at their best during this time of the year. Make delicious apple crumbles with lots of cinnamon - a great antioxidant - or try making a winter fruit compote to add to yoghurt and granola, it’s full of fibre and good for your gut. These choices not only support your well-being but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly celebration.
2. Mindful Indulgence:
Savour each bite mindfully, relishing the flavours and textures. Choose high-quality, organic ingredients whenever possible, and if your budget allows. Indulge sensibly in treats to satisfy sweet cravings without compromising your health. Christmas will come round again, you don’t have to eat everything to excess.
3. Hydration is Key:
Stay hydrated with lots of citrus infused water, which are very much in season in December and January. Drink warming herbal teas, and avoid too many caffeinated drinks, especially after midday. Try and limit sugary beverages and alcohol. Most of us enjoy a festive tipple but for every alcoholic drink you have, chase it with a glass of water. You can thank me later. Try the Tart Cherry Tonic as night cap or mocktail, it aids good sleep and contains loads of amazing nutritional benefits. Proper hydration aids digestion, supports glowing skin, and helps you maintain energy throughout the festivities.
4. Plan Balanced Meals to Help Balance Your Blood Sugar Levels:
Ask Santa for a copy of the bestselling book by Jessie Inchauspé - The Glucose Revolution. Craft well-balanced meals with a mix of macronutrients – proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Include a variety of colourful vegetables to ensure a spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re familiar with the book, one of her greatest pieces of advice is to clothe your carbs, ie: pair them with a fat and/or protein. So if you're digging into chocolate this Christmas, make sure to eat it with some nuts or greek yoghurt, and preferably after a meal.
5. Try Not To Eat Late Into the Night
Eating late at night disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm, hindering optimal digestion and sleep. It’s unlikely you’re snacking on crudités late at night, and you’re more likely going for the cheese or the chocolate bowl! In general late-night eating may also negatively impact insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. Call it a day once dinner is over and have a calming herbal tea instead.
As we approach the festive season, let's celebrate in a way that nurtures our bodies and souls. By adopting these health-conscious tips, you can savour the joy of the season without compromising your well-being. I’m wishing you a nourishing and wonderful festive season!
