getting back on track in the Christmas season

I don't know if it is the weather, or the time of year, but eating healthy hasn't been easy lately. Around this time, work dinners and functions are peppered throughout the weeks, and short days and long nights mean that a belly-warming pizza (like the one I had at Fire and Stone in Covent Garden on Friday) sounds like a more comforting option than grilled chicken and vegetables.

But I'm determined to get back on track before Christmas - that way, I can enjoy splurging at Christmas without feeling guilty. Also, for all those black tie, fancy dress or Christmas lunch events, worrying about fitting into your favourite outfit.

Still, it's not easy. Yesterday, I decided to make a cauliflower and leek soup, as recommended by my friend Marcella, as it's healthy, low-fat and tasty. I piled all the veggies into the pot with some rosemary from another friend and work colleague Sandra's garden. But halfway through cooking, I realised that there were little bugs floating around in the pot - obviously my vegetable cleaning didn't quite do the job! I had to dump it - I couldn't bear the thought of munching on bugs. Instead, I made some sweet potato and black bean wraps - yummy and comforting, but not the healthy option that the soup would have been.

So I'm going to recommit myself to eating more healthily. Obviously, the Christmas season is not the best time to do that, and I accept that I'll drink more alcohol than normal (but sticking to red wine). But there are lots of wonderful holiday options for those who are trying not to overindulge.

-Soups: I'll try cauliflower and leek soup again, I think, especially with rosemary. To perk them up and give them a holiday appeal, play with the garnishes - a fruity cranberry drizzle and a couple of walnuts over a mushroom soup feels very festive.

-Salmon: I haven't had it in awhile, but it's a great fish. It's great for Christmas and tastes fabulous with prawns and/or smoked salmon. Add some peppery watercress too. Obviously, it's a fatty fish, so just keep the portion size small, and use some low-fat prawns to bulk up the dish.

-More great fish: mussels are still in season, and monkfish would make a great treat.

-Winter root vegetables: obviously they have carbohydrates, but they can be a great way to feel full without eating too much fat

Photo: (c)Tomo.Yun www.yunphoto.net/en/