Nigella Lawson warned Britons today that “obscene extravagances” over Christmas will leave them feeling like a “bloated wreck”.
The celebrity chef, 62, said she never serves appetizers at festive meals because it looks like “a crazy man” who eats so much that day.
Nigella – who shared the internet last week with her festive breakfast trifle – said people may be getting past the point of eating “pleasantly” by gathering for the occasion.
But she encouraged people to “celebrate food with family.”
Nigella Lawson warned Britons today that “obscene extravagances” over Christmas will leave you feeling like a “bloated wreck”.
Nigella Lawson is divided over the recipe for a TRIFLE breakfast
TV chef Nigella shared the sentiment when she posted a video of herself preparing the dish on her Instagram account.
Speaking on The News Agents podcast, she told hosts Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel that people should skip appetizers for a feast.
She said: “I don’t know why people make appetizers for Christmas dinner. I’ve never done this before, it seems crazy.
“But I also think it becomes a kind of obscene excess for many people. So people don’t eat because it’s tasty.
“They eat because people kind of feel like they have to eat non-stop and pick things non-stop.”
When asked if people overeat out of “greed and gluttony”, she replied: “Yes, but they can overdo it too.
“You want to feel full and grateful that you feel full, but you don’t want to be a bloated wreck.”
Nigella also announced that she will not be giving any Christmas presents this year.
She said: “Celebrating food with your family is something we should all do when we can and do it gratefully.
“But I definitely feel that this year I have no interest in buying gifts for people who don’t need anything.
“You can give them a card that says I donated on your behalf instead of a Christmas present to make them feel like they’re doing something.”
“You want to celebrate with your family in a way that we couldn’t, but you don’t want it to be obscene.”
Although overeating is never recommended, experts told MailOnline that traditional Christmas dinners are often one of the healthiest meals people eat throughout the year.
Dr. Duane Mellor, nutritionist at Aston University, said: “Some of the healthiest parts of Christmas dinner, when we look at the plate, are the different vegetables.
“This is perhaps one of the few times a year that some people eat three or more different vegetables at one meal, not counting potatoes – perhaps a good habit we can try more often.”
“Perhaps the healthiest thing about traditional off-the-plate Christmas food is that it is often shared with other people, reminding us that it is good to take time to eat with others and that social contact is important to our health and well-being .”
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WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Alkaline meals based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain granola crackers, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and 1 large baked potato with the skin on
• Offer dairy products or milk alternatives (eg soy drinks) and choose lower-fat, lower-sugar options
• Eat beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one of which is fatty)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water daily
• Adults should consume less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
