Alternative Therapies, Exercise, Diet, Self-Care, Wellbeing
3 Dec 2024
Eating well during the busy Christmas period can be a fine balance between enjoying festive treats and maintaining your overall health. We all know this time of year is associated with overeating, unhealthy food and excess alcohol. On Christmas day we consume, on average 6000 calories which is over three times an adult’s daily intake. So, it can be all too easy to put on half a stone over Christmas without really realising.
Whether you are living an active lifestyle or not, Christmas can be a challenge for everyone, but it is possible to indulge without overdoing it or feeling like you’ve thrown your health goals out the window.
Here are some tips on how to eat well during the Christmas period so that you start the new year without feeling bloated, sluggish and tired but energised, healthy, happy and ready to welcome in another year.
Up your vegetable intake - Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables, whether it's roasted, steamed, or in a salad. They’re low in calories but high in nutrients, and they’ll help you feel satisfied without overloading on heavy foods. Also, keeping your digestive healthy and prevent you from feeling bloated and sluggish
Portion control - This can be one of the easiest ways to help yourself and not overeat. So, try to avoid pilling your plate full, having seconds and instead of eating a whole serving of pudding or cake, have a smaller portion, and enjoy it slowly. A lot of force feeding goes on at Christmas so be sure to make mindful decisions yourself
Prepare in advance - Before heading off to a party eat a protein-based snack beforehand so that you are less likely to overeat or make impulse choices
Enjoy your indulgences and special treats, but in moderation - Avoid the all or nothing mindset, food guilt and don’t use Christmas as a license to eat everything that comes your way. Christmas treats like mince pies, Christmas pudding, or chocolates are part of the fun but try to limit sugary snacks to once or twice a day and enjoy them mindfully
Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish, irritable, dry your skin, headaches to name a few. Make smart choices when drinking as alcohol is high in calories with zero nutritional value. Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink can be a good way to pace yourself and reduce the amount of alcohol you are drinking
Prioritise sleep and rest - Try to keep to regular sleep times when possible and ensure you have a couple of early nights over the holiday time. Lack of sleep can increase cravings for sugary foods, playing havoc with your hormones and we know good quality sleep is essential for digestion and overall well-being
Get Moving and stay active - If possible, get outside for a winter walk, jog or cycle or play an active game with family. Exercise can help balance out extra calories, aid sleep and support your mental health. If you're stuck indoors why not try simple body weight exercises like squats, lunges or stretching to get your body moving. Do whatever you enjoy keeping your blood flowing!
Aim for balance and moderation. All your healthy habits don’t have to go out the window. You don’t need to deprive yourself. The holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones, and food is just one part of the celebration.
It’s important to keep yourself nourished, maintain your health and healthy immune system especially during the winter months. If you need help with your health goals, you’ve lost your mojo and need some support then why not put your health and well-being first and book in to see our Nutritionist?
If you are struggling with your health, please do get in touch
Or if you’re stuck for Christmas present ideas for yourself or that difficult-to-buy-for friend or relative, why not give a gift that will improve their health and inspire them to feel their best?
You can find out more here