Winter Dinner Party

The run-up to the holiday season can be quite stressful: projects at work have to be completed, activities for the following year planned out, Christmas presents must be bought, and don't forget the cookie-baking session with your friends! On top of all that, you must plan the menu for the big family feast. That's why we want to share some simple ideas for a healthy winter dinner that might get you through the holidays a little more relaxed.

Keep Things Simply Healthy

Typical Christmas dinner recipes are not only time-consuming in their preparation but are often made with lots of meat and heavy sauces. However, there are plenty of healthier options that are also easier to make! Why don't you offer oven-baked regional fish together with brussels sprouts marinated in grapefruit? Combined with flavored rice or baked potatoes, you'll have created a balanced meal of healthy ingredients that is perfect for cozy winter days. Pumpkin or butternut squash soup topped with seasonal seeds or sprouts serves as a perfect starter that you can prepare the day before.

If you're still looking for healthy alternatives to biscuits and desserts, you should also read our blog article about healthy treats for the winter season.

Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine – Why Not?

With its combination of spices and warmth, mulled wine belongs to the winter season, but it's often super sweet and can cause headaches. In addition, alcohol stimulates the kidneys to pass more fluid and causes the blood vessels to relax and expand. This is why alcohol may increase swelling and the feeling of heaviness in people with lymphoedema. Therefore, an alcohol-free alternative is a healthier choice that's no less tasty than classic mulled wine. Plus, your guests who are driving, and the ones who are choosing to either drink less or no alcohol for a variety of other reasons, will be happy, too!

Here's our mulled mocktail recipe:

• 1 bottle of alcohol-free red wine (dry ones such as Merlot are preferred)
• 2 cups of pomegranate juice
• 2 cups of black tea
• 1 orange and 1 lemon sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anises

Put all the ingredients in a large pot and bring them to a very low boil on medium-high heat. Add a bit of brown sugar as needed. Remove the sliced oranges and lemons as well as the cinnamon and star anise after a few hours. Otherwise, the taste gets very intense. Enjoy this drink with your family and friends on a cold winter day.

Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Whether you're celebrating Christmas (or any other holiday) or simply having your family and friends over for dinner – this season is also great to calm down and relax. Try to find some time for yourself, either with a quick yoga session or meditation, or spend a relaxing weekend with your loved ones. This will give you the chance to recharge, enjoy some well-earned downtime, and be ready to face the New Year. Regular exercise and movement are very important with lymphoedema and lipoedema. You can find helpful tips how to keep on moving during the winter season here.