The countdown to Christmas has begun… now don’t get me wrong, I love a good mince pie. However, if like me you are partial to more than one, or they play a regular part in your December diet, then why not have a go at making your own mince pies with a healthier twist? Here are a few tips to make your mince pies healthier:
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Use filo pastry – pop your mincemeat into filo pastry circles, and twist them up into little parcels. Per 100g, filo pastry 30% less calories and 90% less fat than shortcrust pastry
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Make ‘mince tarts’ instead of mince pies – losing the pastry lid will save around 40 kcal
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If you would rather keep the pastry lid, why not pop a small shape of thin pastry on top of the mincemeat instead of a full lid, e.g. a star or Christmas tree – this will also reduce the calories a little
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Make your own mincemeat – I know it’s easy buying it ready-made, but if you have the time, you can experiment with making it. Try adding the following ingredients to a bowl, then pulsing with a blender / food processor: 1/2 cup dried blueberries, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup of sultanas, rind of 1 lemon and orange, 2 tablespoons pure orange juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 dessertspoon of stevia
The post How to make your mince pies healthier appeared first on Expert Dietitian.
Annemarie Aburrow
Annemarie graduated from the University of Southampton in 2003 with a first class honours in Physiology with Nutrition. She went on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics at Cardiff Metropolitan University, leading to registration as a Dietitian. Between 2005 and 2013, Annemarie worked for the NHS in a wide variety of clinical and community roles. More recently, she has specialised in health promotion and prescribing support. She has particular experience in obesity management (both adults and children), diabetes, nutrition for the under 5s and nutritional supplement prescribing. In 2013, Annemarie left the NHS to set up her private practice 'Expert Dietitian'. She now works as a freelance Dietitian, offering private consultations in Hampshire, telephone and Skype appointments, corporate nutrition consultancy and bespoke training. She has a growing portfolio of project work, including working with her local council to provide nutrition training and expertise to Early Years settings, article writing, work with schools and running training/workshops. Annemarie is a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
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