The festive season is here and finally most people can take a break from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.<\/p>\n
Most importantly it is that much anticipated time for sun, fun, family, and of course \u2013 food!<\/p>
\u201cMany people are really strict during the year and follow a low carb eating plan getting lots of exercise but in December many of these resolutions tend to fly out the window,\u201d said Vivienne Cameron, director of Met-S Care.<\/p>\n
She said the festive season need not be a worry if you follow this simple five point Festive Season Feast Survival Guide:<\/p>
Always remember to keep carbs to a minimum, moderate protein consumption and remember fats are your best friend.<\/p>\n
There are thousands of low-carb recipes available on the Internet from salads and breads to ice-creams and desserts.<\/p>\n
And with the help of so many retailers catching the “LCHF” train there are low-carb alternatives for almost anything you could want.<\/p>\n
Remember you are allowed sugar-free chocolate\/sweets and low-carb substitutes.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for ideas take a look at www.thebantingchef.co.za.<\/p>\n
Stop thinking about all of the things you can\u2019t have and start thinking about all of the things you can.<\/p>\n
Less than a decade ago we were worrying about fat on a lamb chop, which we can now enjoy.<\/p>\n
What we have to watch out for now are carbs, but luckily for us there are lots of alternatives.<\/p>\n
Find your “substitute” and you won\u2019t need to deprive yourself.<\/p>\n
These days many suppliers have low-carb alcohol options.<\/p>\n
Instead of eating chips maybe consider biltong, nuts, aubergine chips etc.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t just eat.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard it all before but we are going to say it again \u2013 overeating is often a case of either boredom, stress or just plain indulgence.<\/p>\n
Be aware of what you are eating \u2013 if you have the choice of a healthier alternative, take it.<\/p>\n
If you aren\u2019t hungry, don\u2019t eat.<\/p>\n
But most importantly, conscious eating is what will keep you on track from meal to meal.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s just that \u2013 one meal at a time and one choice at a time.<\/p>\n
Have dessert but choose the low-carb dessert.<\/p>\n
Visit www.lowcarbluxury.com; www.yourlighterside.com; www.thelowcarbcafe.com or www.deliciously-thin.com for ideas.<\/p>\n
Another clich\u00e9 \u2013 “deprivation leads to binging”.<\/p>\n
Nothing is truer.<\/p>\n
If you can manage to make the right food choices 99 per cent of the time \u2013 you deserve to own your one per cent.<\/p>\n
Deprivation is not the goal, control is.<\/p>\n
If you usually have a piece of chocolate on Christmas Eve \u2013 have it, but make the decision to have two pieces instead of 10.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollow these simple guidelines and great recipe ideas and you won\u2019t need to start from the beginning in January again,\u201d said Cameron.<\/p>\n
Using cheeses, olives, cherry tomatoes, basil and pesto create your own cheesy Christmas tree on a platter.<\/p>\n
Can be complemented with Life Bake Grain-Free Crackers.<\/p>\n
Break up the Choc-Oh-Bloc bar and place the pieces in a heatproof bowl.<\/p>\n
In a pot \u2013 bring some water to the boil.<\/p>\n
Place the heatproof bowl into the boiling water and stir until the chocolate is melted.<\/p>\n
Dip cherries into the melted mixture and set aside to cool.<\/p>\n
Cut off the top of an apple and remove the core using an apple corer \u2013 place on a tray (this is your base).<\/p>\n
Stick a carrot through the centre of the apple, vertically.<\/p>\n
Stick toothpicks through the carrot (the base of the branches).<\/p>\n
Using kiwis and berries, dress the branches using the toothpicks to hold them up.<\/p>\n
Combine 300ml coconut milk, cloves, half a teaspoon vanilla extract and cinnamon in a pot, and let it simmer on a low heat for five minutes, slowly bringing to the boil.<\/p>\n
In a bowl, mix together egg yolks and Met-S Sweetener.<\/p>\n
Whisk together until fluffy.<\/p>\n
Add the hot coconut milk mixture slowly into the eggs.<\/p>\n
Pour back into the pot and let simmer over a medium heat for three minutes, constantly stirring (do not bring to boiling point).<\/p>\n
When thickened, strain the mixture to remove cloves and let cool for about an hour.<\/p>\n
Stir in cream, two teaspoons vanilla essence and nutmeg.<\/p>\n
Refrigerate for 12 hours.<\/p>\n