Christmas Does Not Have to be a Day of Excess

For those of you celebrating Christmas today, I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas.

 I knew that there were would probably be a number of drop in visitors to my parents’ house today.  I also know that whenever guests arrive, all sorts of food makes its way to the coffee table.  I want to make it clear that I do not want to be a Food Scrooge–but I do want to offer alternatives without coming across as a smug and condescending rehabber. 

I concluded that making breakfast and a few healthy snacks for my family was a good way to go. If they started the day off with a nutritiously balanced meal, the chances of them reaching for shortbread or fudge were reduced.  The picture above is their breakfast: I topped a wheat-free organic flatbread with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and a sprinkling of cheese.  There is also a fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and some raw nuts.  I do not want them to feel deprived, but I do want them to eat real food and to enjoy that food–not grab the first thing they see on the dessert tray. 

I will not preach to my family about food and nutrition. After all, I’m newly converted myself.  But I will act silently by ensuring that there are fresh fruits and veggies on every snack/dessert tray.  

Ps. I did have a bit of the flatbread for breakfast, but my half did not include cheese or tomatoes. I had spinach and pear. 

Both photos are courtesy of me. The pic above is breakfast and the pic below is my brother’s positive reaction to the flatbread.