Phil Vickery on Christmas snacking, kids' treats and balanced diets
Interview by Matt Murphy.
OK Phil, I will be quick, we have 60 seconds...
Matt: It’s approaching December so there is plenty of food in the kitchen. Rather than barrels of chocolate what can I make the kids as a fun healthy treat?
Phil: Keep it simple. There are lots of fruits, dried and fresh around at Christmas time, a little cake or the occasional mince pie won’t harm anybody.

Matt: Food labels are gradually becoming easier to decipher, but what should I be looking at to ensure I am eating healthily and maintaining a balanced diet?

Phil: My brother is a doctor, he always says to keep a balanced diet you need to look for hidden salts and sugars, keep an eye on huge amounts of fat and balance your food intake.

Matt: OK, I am in dire need of some assistance on upping my five a day intake. I am up to about three or four and thought I was doing quite well – any tips on making sure I am getting my full five?

Phil: Yes, a fresh juice or smoothie can up the intake quite easily but I would always advocate a smoothie, as you also have the fibre.

Matt: I am a complete terror, sitting at my desk and snacking on any sweets or treats that are passed around the office – I need a healthy alternative. Any suggestions?

Phil: Keep away from the crisps and sweets. I find the best thing is to eat breakfast such as porridge, this will give you a slow release of energy, thus stopping you wanting to snack. If you do snack, then stick to low fat crisp breads and fruit.

Matt: Finally, between now and January, you will be asked this question hundreds of times, could you let us have a few good tips for all the leftover turkey?

Phil: I reckon the best thing to do is to make a pie using all the ingredients from lunch, bound in a thick gravy. It had the most hits on my website at Christmas last year apart from the turkey recipe.

Matt: Thanks for your time Phil, have a super Christmas and an even busier New Year.

Phil’s books are available now in all good book stores and on his new website at www.vickery.tv. On there you can keep up-to-date on what Phil is doing, enter competitions, get hints, tips and recipes and visit his online store.