Simple swaps for Christmas

Please don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, and Christmas food, as much as the next person, but sometimes I want to trade up to something a little healthier (and possibly more luxurious!) than a box of Celebrations and some Twiglets. In choosing to avoid overly-processed foods as much as possible, either cooking from scratch or opting for shop-bought but with minimal ingredients, you can indulge without compromising on taste or nutrition.

I thought I’d put together some simple swaps – some shop bought, some on-line recipes – that I’ve found to either replace or complement your usual Christmas food. Please note that I’ve not tried all these recipes yet, although will be doing so over the next month! Do get in touch and let me know what you think of them.

Instead of… crisps

Try… salted almonds (like these from Wonderful); Tamari-coated seeds (I like the look of this recipe; or love these from Munchy Seeds) or olives.

Instead of… milk chocolate

Try… 70% plus dark chocolate; treating yourself to some Booja Booja raw chocolate truffles; or making this salted pistachio bark.

Instead of… traditional Christmas cake

Try… I Quit Sugar’s sugar-free Christmas cake, a delicious alternative that we’ll be making again this year.

Instead of… mince pies

Try… stuffed medjool dates. Not quite the same look, but take a medjool date, split it lengthways and remove the stone, stuff with a Brazil nut and sprinkle with cinnamon. A similar taste, no refined sugar, healthy fats from the Brazil nut and the blood-sugar-balancing benefits of cinnamon.

Instead of… shop-bought wheat blinis

Try… making buckwheat blinis for a gluten-free alternative. These are quick and easy to make and can be frozen until needed then popped in the oven to defrost and warm through.

Instead of… mini tarts

Try… crustless bacon and cheese quiches. Another gluten-free option – and you can change the ingredients depending on the family’s favourites. Smoked salmon and dill? Stilton and celery? The options are endless!

Instead of… smoked salmon sandwiches

Try… smoked salmon, cream cheese and watercress rolls. These are definitely on my list this Christmas!

And an extra for luck – I love the look of these devilled eggs, another great gluten-free, and carb-free party option.

ps. I thought I should just add that I have no affiliation with any of these pages or products – I just think you might like them!