Indulging in festive foods and being mindful of your health can seem like an impossible task during December, but to make it a little easier Mayver’s has collated their healthiest, silly season recipes that are perfect for when asked to bring the dessert!

While most of us regret that post-Christmas lunch, food-coma feeling, leading dietitian Susie Burrell says that you can still enjoy your favourite seasonal treats without having to compromise on health.

Go Easy On The Sugar

“Relaxing our eating habits during the festive season is expected, but consuming foods with high levels of sugar can leave you feeling more like a Christmas grinch, dealing with mood swings, weight gain, skin issues, headaches and energy burnout from a short-lived sugar rush,” Susie says.

“In addition to helping reduce headaches and mood swings, baking sweet snacks and desserts that are low in natural sugar is key to achieving a sustainable release of energy.

“Pairing natural sugars with a protein rich base, like Mayver’s 100% natural peanut butter, will also help to keep you fuller for longer and slow down the festive snacking.

Healthy Snacking

“Similarly, if you have a long drive ahead of you this Christmas it’s just as important to be mindful of the nutrition minefield of road trip snacking.

“Instead of buying chocolates, chips and sugary drinks at your fuel stops, make sure to pack nutritious, protein rich snacks to eat at regular rest stops.

Plan & Pack

“When driving long distances, it helps to pre-plan and pack nutritious snacks that transport well and aren’t sensitive to temperature, especially with our intense Australian heat.”

Try These Two Yummy Recipes

If you’re travelling a long distance with children this Christmas, Susie’s two recipes double as excellent boredom busters pre-road trip and once cooked, gives them something to look forward to eating on the road knowing they’ve made it themselves.

• Susie’s Christmas Bark
• Susie’s Christmas Gingerbread