We hate to say this, but did you know that your festive feasting might make you fat for life? You’ve read us right.

Studies have found that on average, we gain about 0.32kg over the course of the festive season (that’s about ½ of the average weight gain per year in a couple of months alone!). With average people consuming about more than double of their recommended daily calorie allowances in a day on Christmas alone, that number is not that surprising.

Because knowledge is power, find out what’s in your Christmas Dinner and beat the post-Christmas gym crowds.

 

Baked Potato

No potatoes don’t count when you’re talking about your daily vegetable intake. But we sure love them. Soft and fluffy with crispy skin, drenched to high heavens with rich sour cream and liberally sprinkled with cheese, scallions, chives and bacon bits. Baked potatoes probably rank among in the tops of “foods that we’d like as our last meal.”

 

Each potato contains about 20.4g of carbs, and when you’re looking to avoid the weight gain, carbs are not your greatest friends. So it’s best to avoid them altogether or share them with a friend.

Calories: 278 kcal, 300g

 

Honey Glazed Ham

A Christmas staple, mouthwatering honey glazed ham is the defacto festive dish. They’re a pretty good source of protein but are still considered a processed food (ham is processed with nitrates, which adds the salty flavour and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria). It’s best to not overindulge in this festive treat.

Calories: 360 kcal, 3 slices

 

Roast Turkey

Turkey is low in fat and a great source of protein. It is an easily accessible source of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins. But stay clear of the sugar-laden sauces and fatty gravies!

Calories: 236 kcal, 3 slices

 

Cranberry sauce

A great companion to roast turkey and ham. Cranberry sauces are delish paired with salty ham and turkey. The lowdown on it is that Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, K, and C, and dietary fibre! But your typical cranberry sauce probably come from a can and the average canned cranberry sauce contains about 105 grams of sugar (that’s about 26 teaspoons of sugar!).

The best way to have your cake and eat it too would be to make your own sauce! Using fresh or frozen fruit and less sugar can make for a way healthier accompaniment. Mix it up with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a lil twist to your festive faves.

Nutrition facts: 110 calories, 25 g carbs, 3 g fibre, 0 g protein, 0 g fat

 

Sugar Cookies and Gingerbread men

Classic festive treats, sugar cookies and gingerbread men are what most of us look forward to among the array of Christmas treats available. But laden with sugar, butter and frosting, it’s best to keep the treats to a minimum.

 

Calories: 340 kcal, 4 slices