'Tis the season to eat well, so we've compiled some of our favourite Christmas recipes. As well as being delicious, all the recipes below are packed with nutrients that'll boost your immune system and fuel your running. As the chocolate wrappers
Lentil and Black Bean Soup This vegan-friendly stew is thick and filling thanks to the beans and lentils – both sources of protein and fibre-rich carbs. “The body absorbs these nutrients slowly, keeping energy levels on an even keel,” says sports
Banish retro prawn cocktail starters and instead rustle up this tasty dip in advance, then just grill prawns on the day. Watercress not only packs a peppery taste, it's also rich in vitamin C, calcium and iron, all essential nutrients for runners
It's a staple of many runners' diets, but spaghetti can quickly become boring. Spice it up with the intense flavours, colours and nutrients of chilli, tomatoes and black olives. The red wine provides an extra tang, but teetotallers can leave it out
Indulge yourself at the barbecue without feeling too guilty with this healthier version of potato salad – this recipe swaps fat-clogged mayo for antioxidant-rich minted pesto. Serves: 4Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes Preparation time: 10 minutes250g
per cent of your daily vitamin B9. Also known as folic acid, you need B9 to regulate the formation of new red blood cells.Sugar snap peas: They are loaded with vitamin C, an immune-boosting nutrient that athletes tend to run low on, says
RDA. You need this to keep your metabolism steady and your bone mineral density high. Lemon grass is also said to be antipyretic - that is, it helps combat fever.Aspargus: An 80g serving provides 60 per cent of your RDA of folic acid, a nutrient
At the peak of barbecue season, don't let fatty chunks of meat weigh you down. These burgers combine the stamina-boosting nutrients of beetroot with the muscle-repairing protein of lamb. The optional feta gives each patty a melt
Vegetarians and occasional meat/fish eaters live longer than the general meat-munching population, according to research by the German Cancer Research Centre – something to relish as you whip up this nutrient-rich dish during National Vegetarian
