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Merry Christmas to All

  • Jeanine Mewburn
  • Dec 16, 2025
  • 3 min read

I have been looking for some good news about lymphoedema and lipoedema — and there is good news. In fact, there is more than one reason to feel encouraged.


Lymphoedema and lipoedema are manageable conditions. Compression garments, along with lifestyle changes such as lymphatic drainage massage, remain the treatment of choice. These approaches help reduce or maintain swelling, improve circulation, and offer several additional benefits. While daily management can sometimes feel inconvenient, it is far preferable to the consequences of not managing the condition at all.


The second piece of good news is that we are in the festive season — a time to gather with family and friends. Social connection has been shown to positively influence self-image and to reduce anxiety and depression. For people living with lymphoedema or lipoedema in particular, strong social support builds resilience and helps ease the chronic stress of managing a long-term condition.


Research into chronic illness consistently shows that individuals with active social networks are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours and to adhere to their treatment plans.


And to support those lifestyle changes, I have been searching for an anti-inflammatory Christmas pudding recipe — and I am happy to say, I have found one!


 

Healthy No-Bake Christmas Puddings


Ingredients (makes 12 puddings)

·       225 fresh pitted dates – approx. 10-15 dates depending on their size

·       Zest from 1 orange

·       250 organic dried apricots, chopped

·       150 g (1½ cups) almond meal/ground almonds

·       1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

·       1 tsp ground cinnamon

·       ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

·       ¼ ground ginger

·       80g white chocolate, melted for decoration (healthier option: top with fresh cherries or rasberries or goji berries instead)


Mango Coconut Custard

·       1 mango chopped

·       ½ cup coconut milk

·       Juice from ½ orange

To make custard

1.      Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

2.      Serve chilled alongside puddings


Method

1.      Combine dates, orange zest, apricots, vanilla, ground almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a food processor.

2.      Process until mixture is combined and looks like fine crumbs.

3.      Spoon mixture into a large bowl and add 1 – 2 tablespoons orange juice then mix again. Your pudding mix should come together in the hands when lightly squeezed.

4.      Divide puddings into 6 small puddings. The best way to do this is to line the base of your desired mould with glad wrap and press the pudding mixture into it firmly.

5.      Invert the pudding and remove the glad wrap. Repeat until all the puddings are formed.

6.      Melt white chocolate in a small bowl that is set over a simmering pot of water.

7.      Spoon a little white chocolate over the tops of the puddings if using and garnish.

8.      Arrange onto a serving plate and set aside until needed.

9.      Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe is one of Teresa Cutter’s, found on her website thehealthychef.com




References



 #Lymphoedema#Lipoedema#LivingWell#ChronicIllnessSupport#FestiveWellbeing#SelfCareMatters#CompressionTherapy#SocialConnection#ChristmasWellness#HopeAndHealth

 
 
 

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