Posted on December 05, 2014 by Jenny Cromack

If you have read Chris’ blog about how many calories the average person consumes on Christmas Day you may be in panic mode, stressing about the pounds piling on overthe Festive Period. BUT, never fear the motive8 North Personal Training team are here to help with some healthy Christmas Day Food choices.

Whilst Chris’ blog is pretty scary, if you cut out the chocolates and pudding you would be saving yourself a few calories anyway, but here are some healthy meal choices too.
Breakfast

Scrambled Egg & Mackerel – Serves 4

Ingredients:
• 6 large British Lion eggs
• 60ml/4tbsp milk
• 25g/1oz butter
• 2 peppered mackerel fillets, skinned and flaked
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• fresh chives to garnish

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasoning together. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan and add the eggs. Cook over a low heat for 2-3 mins, stirring occasionally until the eggs have begun to set and scramble. Stir in the mackerel and continue to cook until the eggs are creamy and the mackerel has warmed through. Scatter over the chives and serve straight away.

Starter – Serves 4

Carrot & Coriander Soup
Kcal 115, Protein 3, Carbs 19 fat  4, Sat 1g

Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 potato, chopped
• 450g carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1.2l vegetable or chicken stock
• handful coriander

1. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion, then fry for 5 mins until softened. Stir in the ground coriander and potato, then cook for 1 min. Add the carrots and stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 20 mins until the carrots are tender.

2.Tip into food processor with the coriander. then blitz until smooth (you may need to do this in two batches). Return to pan, taste, add salt if necessary, then reheat to serve.
Christmas Dinner
There is nothing wrong with having a traditional Turkey roast dinner it is just about being sensible with your portion sizes. Turkey is a great source of protein.

Be sure to have plenty of vegetables such as sprouts, green beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower.

Limit high carbohydrate option such as mash potatoes, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. You can substitute potato for sweet potato and have swede and carrot mash.
Think about your portion sizes. Yes it is Christmas day but your body does not need second helpings!