What to eat after Christmas for health and weight loss, is one of the most commonly asked questions after the Holidays! So I’ve got you covered with a blog post and a newsletter, full of practical nutrition tips to help you detox and reduce the burden of the Christmas indulgence on metabolic health. (post originally shared in my food blog The Healthy Gourmet)
Fish and lean proteins
Fish like salmon or white fish are ideal. They are rich in lean proteins and support thyroid metabolism. Combine them with vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and Savoy cabbage, all vegetables part of the Brassica family that increase your sense of satiety and are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support liver detoxification pathways. Add ginger if you can to support detoxification pathways and add anti-inflammatory properties.
Salads
Salads are the most obvious choice after all the heavily cooked meals of the festivities. Raw vegetables are rich in vitamins and phytonutrients that are destroyed by the heat, and make us feel light and energised.
Go for dark green leaves like arugula or baby chard, but any green leaves will go. Add some endive or red radicchio to help with digestive juices and gallbladder function (fat digestion).
Add on any veggies leftover you have, like carrots, fennel, celery, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, red cabbage, red onions or some slices of avocado.
Soups
Soups are the best way to help you keep weight under control. They are heartwarming and comforting, but full of fibers and low in calories. You can make them easily and in a big batch and then freeze them.
Soups that contain legumes or pulses, like lentils, peas, and beans can be considered a full meal as they keep you full for longer and reduce cravings thanks to the vegetable proteins.
Fennel, Radicchio and Clementine Salad
Red lentil & Sweet Potato Soup
Frittatas
Frittatas are one of the best ways to use up vegetables and cheese leftovers. They are yummy, protein-based and are great combined with a side salad or as a complement to small portion of soup.
Drinks
Staying hydrated is important especially if you have drunk alcohol during the festivity. Dehydration is also a trigger for sweets and food cravings.
If you don’t like plain water you can add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon that also supports detoxification pathways.
Try herbal teas like Roiboos tea, a South African tea that is tannine and caffeine-free, but rich in anti-oxidants with a strong and warm flavor.
Ginger, lemon & cinammon
Ginger and lemon actively support detoxification pathways and have huge health benefits. Cinnamon helps keep blood sugar stable and it really adds an amazing festive flavour to teas, yogurt, soups and hot chocolate. You can view the original article here
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Claudia Armani
Nutrition & Health Coach
I know this information but it is very helpful and motivating to read it and refresh my thoughts.
Thanks Anne!
I’m actually the type of person who absolutely loves salad, so it’s great to see it on this list! And soup is a wonderful comfort food during the Winter months, so being able to enjoy it as a healthy and nutritious meal is perfect in the months following Christmas.
Great! Feel free to share some photos of your salads!
I have plenty of leftovers from Christmas so am planning to turn them into lots of soups. Thanks for the inspiration.
Great. Leftovers can make delicious meals!