10 feel-good foods for Christmas

10 feel-good foods for Christmas

6. Parsnips

A good source of folate, parsnips contain about twice as much fibre as an equivalent portion of carrots - and twice the number of calories, although they are still low-calorie, as long as you don't add fat through roasting.

7. Roast potatoes

Roasting potatoes in oil piles on the calories, about twice as many as plainly boiled potatoes, but it is Christmas after all. Thankfully potatoes are still low in saturated fat, if cooked in vegetable oil, and are a reasonable source of all sorts of nutrients including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamin B6 and folate. Plus they contain reasonable amounts of fibre, an added bonus.

8. Brussels sprouts

A rich source of folate and vitamin C, sprouts also contain vitamin B6 which is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, the formation of red blood cells and a healthy nervous system. Along with many green vegetables, Brussels sprouts also contain a pigment known as lutein, which may stop blood vessels clogging up and so help prevent strokes and heart disease - and they're reasonably high in fibre.

9. Mince pies

It's the pastry that piles on the saturated fat and calories - the more expensive the pies, the thinner the pastry and the greater the fruit content. The dried fruit means there will be reasonable potassium content.