Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

“Go fresh” this festive season:

Think about the fresh and healthy food options available this festive season say leading dietitians.
By Motherpedia
Date: December 18 2012
Editor Rating:
christmas_apples

With Christmas just around the corner, the country’s leading nutrition experts are encouraging Australians to deck the halls and tables with fresh, healthy festive fare.

“The festive season is the perfect time of year to enjoy the wonderful fresh foods our lucky country has to offer,” said Dietitians Association of Australia spokesperson Kate Gudorf.

Recent national reports have shown only 6% of Australians eat enough fruits and vegetables every day, and more than 1.1 billion dollars worth of fruit and vegetables is thrown away each year.

Ms Gudorf is hoping all Australians will “go fresh” this Christmas by swapping manufactured foods that are high in saturated fat, added sugar and salt for fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean meat, seafood and dairy foods.

This is how five leading accredited dietitians suggest we “go fresh” this festive season.

1. Go red: I always put a big bowl of cherries in the middle of the table as pre-dinner nibbles. It’s a much healthier choice than chocolate or candy canes and everyone loves them. Melanie McGrice

2. Be a savvy swapper: Swap party pies and spring rolls for sushi or mini gourmet sandwiches, made with lean meat, shredded lettuce, grated carrot and sliced tomato. Clare Collins

3. Go nutty: Have a plate of nuts in their shells (such as almonds, pistachios or walnuts) for family and friends to snack on. The cracking of the nuts helps with portion control too. Catherine Itsiopoulos

4. Fruity flavour: Have a big fruit salad as an option for dessert. It’s a light and refreshing alternative to traditional Christmas pudding. Maria Packard

5. Get inspired: Go to the local farmers markets during the festive season. It makes you appreciate the wonderful produce our country has to offer, and thepeople who produce it. Sonya Stanley

And to help you on the big day, the Dietitians suggest you can make the following easy swaps.

Nibbles: Swap four squares of chocolate for two chocolate-coated strawberries. Save 300KJ and 3.4g fat.

At lunch: Swap one cup of pasta salad made with creamy dressing for a cup ofcoleslaw with fat-free dressing. Save 1,350KJ and 21g fat.

For dessert: Swap a large (100g) piece of Christmas pudding for a small (50g) piecewith half a cup of blueberries. Save 420KJ and 3.5g fat.

Drinks: Swap a regular can of soft drink for a large glass of sparkling water withlemon or lime slices. Save 675KJ and eight teaspoons of sugar.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Related Articles
mixed_berries
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be aware of…
Read more
kids-cook
Will kids be more willing to eat properly if they're…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.