Do you dread the excess of Christmas eating? Have you wondered how you and yours can eat healthier over Christmas? Dermot Moriarty, safefood communications manager, and Dad of 2, shares his Christmas Healthy Eating tips.

I’m wishing for a happy, healthier Christmas.

Christmas – I love it.

I love it because of all the traditions that make it so special. Decorations and the tree. Sending and receiving Christmas cards. Buying and getting presents. Seeing the joy and surprise on my kids’ faces when they rip back the wrapping paper. Meeting family and friends, some whom I probably haven’t seen since this time last year. The smell of warm, mince pies. Enjoying that first, sneaky slice of ham on Christmas Eve. Looking forward to a lovely dinner the next day.

But I hate knowing that I’ll be sporting a Santa stomach by the end of it from the sheer volume of food I’ll eat. Not to mention the tin of sweets that will be always seem to be within arms’ reach, just beside the TV remote control. As for the kids, it’s just as bad. Selection boxes seem to be a default stocking filler from others for our two boys. And as for chocolate-filled calendars, I think we got enough for the next 5 years.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bah humbug blog. I just wish there was a bit less temptation around and less battles about sweets, even before breakfast! I also wish I could be more sensible when it comes to what I eat and drink myself at Christmas.

Maybe it’s the once-a-year thing; because we don’t celebrate it every week or month. As an adult, maybe it’s because I know what a let down January is after the excitement of December that entices my ‘eat, drink and be merry’ side and encourages me to buy that slab of fizzy drinks, just because they have a jolly Santa on the label.

Scrooge has a lot to answer for as well, because none of us want to be lumped in with him as being tight-fisted and miserly, especially at Christmas. But even Eberneezer saw the light and grew to be a big fan of Christmas.

It is possible to have a healthy Christmas simple by making tiny changes to the way you’ve always done things.

Christmas Healthy Eating Tips

#1. If you can, ask people not to give your children sweets.

#2. Avoid buying sugary drinks in bulk.

#3. If you’re cooking (like I will be), you can do small things like using some honey on top of carrots instead of butter, or having a breadcrumb stuffing instead of a meaty one. Olive oil works on roast potatoes too instead of butter.

#4. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your children, why not check out this link, which has lots of fun ideas.

For more tips on a healthier Christmas, see the safefood Christmas Tips and Advice

Hope Christmas is special for you and yours.

Related : Managing Treats that should be food.

Edible Tree Image credit – Ginger & Garlic Blogspot

About Author :

Dermot Moriarty is the communications manager for safefood. His background is in advertising & public relations and he works on safefood‘s awareness campaigns, promotional activities and market research. He is also an occasional blogger. In his spare time, he’s a fan of history books, sport and cooking (though not all at the same time) and is trying to get back into running. He lives in Co. Dublin with his wife and two young boys who are growing up way too fast.

Do you have any tips for ensuring you and your children eat healthy over Christmas ? Share them in the comments below. Did you find this article useful ? Please share with family or friends who might also find it beneficial.