It’s that time of the year again, the season of love, jollof, and endless servings of small chops! Christmas in Nigeria is truly a vibe with varieties of Christmas Meals. But let me be real with you for a minute. While I love the aroma of freshly fried chin chin and the sight of a pot of steaming party jollof rice as much as you do, overindulging during the festive season can come back to haunt us in January — both on the scale and in the wallet.
So, how should one enjoy the meals at Christmas without turning the belly into a “food processing factory”? Let me break it down for you.
Step 1: Master Portion Control
First, portion control doesn’t mean starving yourself. It means eating mindfully and savoring every bite. You can enjoy all your favorite Christmas dishes without going overboard. Here are some portion size guidelines for popular Nigerian dishes:
Jollof Rice: Stick to about 1 cup. That’s roughly the size of your fist. Don’t worry, it’s enough to catch all the flavors without the guilt.
Chicken: A piece of chicken, either grilled or roasted, is just fine. By all means, do not fall into the temptation of grabbing the biggest drumstick that looks like it’s been hitting the gym.
Moi-Moi: Half a wrap is fine. Yes, I said half. Don’t frown; you’ll thank me later when your stomach isn’t shouting “heavy traffic ahead!
Salad: Load up! A big serving of vegetable salad won’t hurt. Just go easy on the creamy dressings. Use a light vinaigrette instead.
Snacks (Chin-Chin, Puff-Puff, etc.): A small handful will do. Emphasis on small. Don’t turn it into a full meal.
Step 2: Don’t Skip Meals Before the Feast
I know some of us are thinking, skipping breakfast will “create space” for the Christmas buffet. Ogini di?! This trick doesn’t work; as a matter of fact, it causes you to overeat later on. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, like oatmeal or boiled eggs with veggies. It will keep you satisfied and less likely to demolish the food table when you arrive.
Step 3: Pace Yourself
Christmas is a marathon, not a 100m race. Don’t eat as if you are racing for a “Who Can Finish Faster” trophy. Take your time, savor the flavors, and join in conversations. If your plate finishes too fast, you may find yourself going for seconds, or even thirds, when you don’t really need to.
Step 4: Choose Drinks Wisely
Let’s talk about drinks. Sugary sodas and alcohol can pack a punch in calories. Opt for healthier options like zobo, fresh fruit juice, tiger-nut milk, or even plain water. And please, if you’re drinking palm-wine, remember it’s not a bottomless pit. Moderation is key.
Step 5: Use Smaller Plates
Here’s a hack: Serve your food on a smaller plate. It tricks your brain into thinking you’ve had a full meal. Plus, it reduces the temptation to pile your plate like you’re building a skyscraper.
Step 6: Don’t Forget Dessert
Yes, you can have dessert! But let’s keep it light. A small slice of fruitcake or a handful of fresh fruits is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you in a sugar coma.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is about joy, togetherness, and celebrating life. Of course, food is part of it, but let’s not make it the only part. Moderation is the magic word here. So as you dig into that delicious plate of jollof rice and chicken, remember: enjoy the food, savor the moments, and let’s all cross into January without feeling like we need to enroll in a boot camp.
Merry Christmas, and remember — if you can’t zip your trousers after the party, you may have overdone it! ????
Remember that you can always get a copy of my Healing Recipe Book to enrich your Christmas meals with healthy recipes. Use this Link to get a copy for yourself.
