If you would like to enjoy some traditional British fare for the Christmas season while still watching your calorie intake, there are lots of options to choose from. As with most cultures, there are also a few dishes you will want to enjoy only a bit of such as the delicious and rich bread sauce which has its fair share of heavy cream. Only enjoy perhaps one pig in a blanket as they are made only of bacon and sausage! Neither are friendly to a low calorie plan. But do indulge in a few traditional recipes such as those listed below

1. Roast Potatoes

Root vegetables are a popular food dish in British cuisine, and roast potatoes or parsnips often take a place at the Christmas meal. The only ingredients are potatoes, and a bit of fat for roasting. Instead of lard, choose vegetable oil for a more heart healthy dish. If roast potatoes aren't your thing, try roast parsnips instead. Serve it along side your roast Christmas goose.More »

2. Roast Goose with Chestnut Stuffing

Our own D106 guide to British food tells us that roast goose was quite a popular Christmas item before the turkey came along. Today it can still be found as the center of a traditional British Christmas meal. As calories go, roast goose does tend to be higher in calories than roast turkey. But, be sure to remove the skin, and don't go too crazy and you can easily enjoy goose as part of your holiday meal.

As for the chestnut stuffing, choose a sausage lower in fat, and make as the recipes instructs.
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3. Smoked Salmon and Dill

We love including smoked salmon and dill as part of a traditional British Christmas feast while watching our calorie intake. Salmon itself is an excellent choice as it is high in protein and contains heart healthy fats. The flavorful capers contribute very few calories, and just be sure to limit the sauce that you put on the fish. Made of mustard, vinegar, sugar, egg, and vegetable oil it becomes a type of mayonnaise a bit high in calories. Enjoy a bit on the side, but not too much.More »

4. Roast Turkey with Sage and Onion

If you do choose to go the turkey route for Christmas dinner, this informative video from our D106 British Food guide will help you to pull off a turkey dinner without a hitch. Again, sausage provides a good deal of the fat and flavor for the stuffing recipes, so try to find a lower fat version to save a few calories.More »