Supergranny has landed and once again domestic nirvana reigns! It’s amazing how having a third adult in the house makes all the difference between order and chaos.

This time I made my way up the gift list and instead of being handed rubber bands or marmalade, I have been presented with a large plastic tablecloth. It’s a very fancy tablecloth I’ll have you know!

On the down side, my healthy shopping list has taken the usual battering. Back to the top of the list are wine, gin, tonic and chocolate. As PopPops has come along this time, we’ve added large quantities of pate and cheese. It’s well deserved. As I type, he is watching Horseland with the children — a rare form of torture.

Of course it’s also Christmas, which means we’re making mulled wine and gingerbread too. Tis the season of goodwill and heartburn after all! And if you have found yourself saying yes to everything from the eggnog to the Quality Street, you might also be experiencing a mild sense of panic. I find that most of my weight loss clients have this awkward relationship with treats — they want them, but feel guilty when they have them. They say yes “because it’s Christmas” but can’t wait for the New Year so that the exhausting battle of wills is over. Of course some people dread the New Year, because then the excuses and justification are over too. Either way it’s a bit messed up, don’t you think?

If you are trying not to pile on the pounds over Christmas, there are lots of simple tips. Plan ahead. Pick the parties you want to indulge at and be wise at the rest. Choose the better canapés. Drink red wine or champagne and avoid sodas as mixers. Eat the really Christmassy things because they make you feel festive, but don’t “waste” your time with things “because they are there.” There’s nothing seasonal about a white roll and butter! But above all try and keep this mantra in mind: “Choose food that nourishes you.” Pick things that will build you up, rather than knock you down. If something makes you feel bad, or takes you away from your goals, is it really a “treat”?

I am 100% in favour of chocolate and I do have a sweet tooth. That has presented challenges in the past, but it’s helped me enormously in one way. I’m pretty good at making treats that are still nourishing. Banana bread with good fats and fibre, cookies with extra protein … and hot chocolate with a powerful dose of antioxidants. When it comes to the latter, I admit this idea wasn’t mine. It came through on my newsfeed and I’d made it within minutes. But it kind of knocked my socks off with the cocoa. I wanted to love it but it was OTT for me. So, I played around with the recipe and came up with this version. If you are on your way to super health but still enjoy the sweet stuff, this could be a great option for you. It’s packed full of cacao and cinnamon — both of which are mega antioxidant rich. Quality make a difference here though — and if you are using cacao and cinnamon for their health properties, I suggest you get the real deal and go organic if you can. The coconut oil is optional but makes it more creamy and adds a modest dose of better fat. That makes you less likely to crave something else sweet five minutes later.

The upshot? This is a real treat you can feel good about because it contains ingredients that actively nourish and protect your body. The maple syrup is of course sweet, so this makes it an “occasional” recipe, rather than an everyday thing. But best of all, you can enjoy it with no sense of regret. Drink up, and Happy Christmas!

The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the Managing Director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK Please note that she is not a Registered Dietitian. For details, please go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda