With an endless amount of food options to choose from during the festive season, deciding what to eat on Christmas Day can be overwhelming, which often results in over-indulging in traditional festive foods such as ham, pudding or pork. If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy your Christmas lunch guilt-free, there are five reasons why you should switch the Christmas ham this year to a more nutritious protein, such as salmon, so that you can celebrate with leftovers all over again on Boxing Day.
Good for the body and the brain
Fresh seafood is a popular choice of protein during the festive period, and with its quality taste and nutritious benefits, it’s not hard to see why.
Atlantic Salmon, in particular, is an especially nutrient rich seafood choice, offering Omega-3 fat, protein and a number of vitamins and minerals. And with at least 30g of protein per 150g serve, making the easy switch to salmon can help you stay fuller for longer and ensure that you are less likely to overeat at the Christmas table.
Perfect for any (and every) occasion
Unlike ham, salmon is versatile, light in taste and can be eaten at any time of the day. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner, salmon recipes can be easily altered and reimagined to suit any menu while also giving you the essential protein and energy you’ll need to prepare for the long day ahead.
Travel-friendly for the harsh Australian Summer
More often than not, Christmas day involves transporting meals from one home to another, so it can be difficult to plan ahead and think about what foods will travel well on a hot summer’s day.
The great thing about salmon is that it’s travel-friendly, so if you’re spending your Christmas plans away from home, consider bringing a side salad, dish or Tassal’s Smoked Salmon Grazing Platter with hot or cold smoked salmon – perfect for on-the-go.
Variety is the spice of life — it’s that easy!
On the other hand, if you’re hosting a Christmas party at home, salmon is one of the easiest proteins to incorporate into your festive feast and the best thing is that you can cook and prepare it multiple ways.
For something quick and filling without spending hours in the kitchen, try Tassal’s Hot Smoked Salmon and Herbed Couscous Salad, or if you have a little bit more time, Tassal’s Salmon Skewers with Zucchini is the perfect addition to any festive spread, especially if you’re trying to make up for last year’s Christmas-dinner mishaps.
Fulfilling traditions with family and cheer
The most wonderful part of Christmas is spending time with your loved ones, and for many families it really isn’t an Aussie Christmas without a mouthwatering side of seafood.
Cooking up a show-stopping salmon dish can benefit you physically, but there are also emotional benefits to cooking up something satisfying and nutritious, such as bringing family together and reconnecting with the people that you love over a delicious meal.
Good food and good company, what more could you want?
Happy cooking!
