STRESS FREE

Six quick-cook options and soothing face packs for a stress-free Christmas

Jane Atkinson, Gabriella Stein

Published: 3:04, 22 Dec 2019

THE STRESS of organising Christmas can really take its toll, with all the preparations causing a lot of anxiety, culminating in having to cook “the big dinner”.

So we tested quick-cook alternatives for the festive dinner that can be on the table within 45 minutes.

And tried out soothing face packs for all that time you have clawed back.

HEALTH

With Jane Atkinson

Meat-free

We find you the perfect vegan roast alternative to your traditional turkey roast

Vegan roast is a great alternative to turkey and, at 273 calories per 100g, it is a healthy option.

The texture is satisfyingly good, it is tasty and is far from rubbery like some brands can be.

If you want to go meat-free, it is my go-to option with a cook time of 45 minutes.

V-BITES meat-free turkey roast, available at from £4.89

Duck

Gressingham Duck’s Bistro range is a great alternative to turkey and cooks in just 30 minutes.

I recommend the duck a l’orange, which some might see as a Seventies dish, but it is having a revival.

The duck legs in cherry hoisin sauce were also divine with pancake wraps and cucumber.

Available at from £4.50

Veggie range

Save time prepping your veg and opt for these honey glazed parsnips that will cook fast

Beat the time-consuming prep with honey glazed parsnips (152 calories per 100g portion), roast potatoes (97 calories per 100g portion) and more.

They are all cooked in under 30 minutes.

Available at from £1.49

BEAUTY

Budget

Contains 10 per cent glycolic acid as well as vitamin C to nourish the skin.

Apply and leave for up to 30 minutes before rinsing. It is designed to draw out impurities, clear blackheads and shrink pores.

My skin looked much brighter after a few applications, so I will be continuing with it.

Holy Grail detoxifying clay mask, 56ml, £16.95,

Mid

For a soft skin, apply this illuminating mask containing glycolic acid

Contains Himalayan spring water and glycolic acid and promises to revitalise dull skin. Apply to damp skin and let dry for ten minutes before rinsing.

Afterwards, my skin felt soft, pores were reduced and while it was clean, it didn’t feel too harsh.

Can be used twice a week and I noticed a real difference after a while. I really liked it.

Herbal Essentials illuminating mask, 75ml, £19,

Six quick-cook options and soothing face packs for a stress-free Christmas