Getting ready to entertain this festive season? No one wants to be deprived of all their holiday favourites or feel like the Christmas grinch. Eating well can also be healthy – just remember the basic principles of swapping rich and fatty high GI foods for healthy low GI options.

Even at Christmas time it’s important to try and follow a low GI diet to look after your health. So, whether you just want to keep eating healthy, sustain energy levels or manage a specific health condition, choosing low GI options is the best way to go these holidays.

Here are a few ideas to help celebrate the low GI way, without forgoing the festivities.

Main course options:

• Roast turkey breast, roast ham, roast sweet potato, parsnips, carrots, sweet corn and lower GI potatoes– a traditional feast created with low GI options
• Stuffing made with low GI bread or traditional oat
• Honey and oregano roasted leg of lamb with vegetable roasties
• Pastry-free rice and veggie pie
• Any seafood (avoid deep fried or battered varieties)

Fresh side salads:

• Fresh kale, avocado and pomegranate salad
• Vegetarian pearl couscous with roasted vegetables
• Rice and sweet corn salad with blueberries and pecans

Try these dessert options:

• Baked stuffed apples
• Berry bombs
• Honey roasted pears with chocolate fudge sauced and pecan sprinkle
• Pavlova with equal amounts of light whipped cream and low-fat plain yoghurt, topped with a range of seasonal fresh fruits including sliced berries, kiwi fruit, pear, bananas, grapes and passionfruit
• Cashew nut cream – to serve alongside any dessert

Feeling inspired?
If you’re feeling inspired to develop your own recipe, or make a favourite recipe lower GI, download our recipe guidelines.

Grab our Top Tips for going low GI.
Going low GI is easy – it’s all about healthy choices. See our top tips here.