Nutritional scientist Tim Spector, known for his focus on superfood healthy eating advice, has revealed his Christmas dinner menu, opting for a lavish three-course meal but skipping the traditional turkey. The professor, who is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and the founder of the Zoe health app, believes in taking a relaxed approach to diet on special occasions. However, he has removed three items from his festive menu due to health concerns – pigs in blankets, Christmas pudding, and sticky toffee pudding.
In an article for the Telegraph, Prof Spector explained that on Christmas Day, he believes all favourite foods should be enjoyed without overthinking their health implications. At his home in north London where he celebrates with a gathering of 10 people, breakfast includes smoked salmon on homemade rye and spelt bread or shakshuka. Festive drinks start flowing from midday, with Champagne and wine welcoming guests followed by red wine to complement the main meal.
For snacks, Prof Spector indulges in Italian cantucci almond biscuits and orangette – candied orange strips covered in chocolate – despite acknowledging their lack of health benefits. A leisurely walk is planned post-snacking before the main meal. The starter comprises a savoury leek tart with sauerkraut, a nod to the inclusion of fermented foods in their Christmas spread. The main dish is a vegan Wellington made with a mushroom, spinach, and lentil mixture wrapped in pastry.
Side dishes feature Brussels sprouts cooked in miso, maple syrup, and sesame oil alongside an array of vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. Roast potatoes cooked in olive oil with rosemary or thyme add a special touch to the meal, although sometimes celeriac mash substitutes for potatoes. Prof Spector excludes pigs in blankets due to his aversion to processed meat and opts for a plant-based olive oil chocolate mousse for dessert, avoiding high-sugar treats like Christmas pudding and sticky toffee pudding.
In summary, Tim Spector’s Christmas dinner showcases a balance between indulgence and health-conscious choices. Despite his usual emphasis on superfoods and healthy eating, he believes in enjoying favourite festive foods without guilt on special occasions. By incorporating fermented foods and plant-based options in his menu, he demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both taste and well-being during the holiday season.