The Christmas season is upon us – filled with festive gatherings, delicious meals, and, let’s face it, an abundance of treats that can sometimes feel impossible to resist. For many of us, it’s easy to get swept up in the indulgence of the festivities, but overindulging can leave us feeling sluggish, bloated, and, ultimately, worn out.
We know how important it is to keep our bodies nourished, not just for the physical benefits but for our mental and emotional well-being as well. With so many demands during this time of year – from caring for the home to attending social events – making mindful choices about what we eat can help us maintain the energy, clarity, and joy that the season is meant to bring.
So, how can we stay on track without feeling like we’re missing out on the festivities? Here are five top tips for nourishing your body during the busy, indulgent Christmas season while still enjoying all the wonderful celebrations.
1. Fill Your Plate With Veggies First
One of the easiest ways to balance out the heavier foods that often come with Christmas dinners and festive gatherings is to load up on vegetables. Think of your plate like a colourful canvas: start by adding a generous serving of seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, and red cabbage.
Vegetables are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals that keep you feeling full and satisfied, without weighing you down with too many calories. They’ll also help keep your digestive system on track, especially when you’re eating richer foods like roast meats and pastries.
2. Mind Your Portions and Take Your Time
With all the tempting dishes on offer, it’s easy to overeat at Christmas – whether it’s at a festive dinner, Christmas canapes, or while nibbling on sweets throughout the day. But portion control doesn’t mean depriving yourself of the foods you love. Instead, aim to enjoy a little bit of everything in moderation.
Before diving in, pause for a moment. Take a few deep breaths, enjoy the conversation around you, and think about what you truly want to eat. Rather than loading your plate with everything, focus on smaller portions so you can taste a variety of foods without overloading your system.
Eating slowly and mindfully not only helps you appreciate your food more, but it also gives your body time to signal when it’s full.
3. Stay Hydrated (and Don’t Forget About Water!)
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water during the festive season, especially when we're surrounded by wine, mulled drinks, and hot chocolate. But dehydration can leave you feeling tired, bloated, and sluggish, which can take away from your energy during such a busy time of year. Make water your go-to drink throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you so it’s easy to stay hydrated.
If you’re craving something festive, try making a fruit-infused water by adding slices of lemon, orange, or mint. This can be a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks while still feeling seasonal.
Bonus tip: Drink a glass of water before meals to help manage hunger and prevent overeating.
4. Balance Your Meals With Protein and Healthy Fats
The focus is often on carbs – think potatoes, stuffing, Christmas pudding, and biscuits! While carbs are part of a balanced meal, don’t forget about the power of protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.
When putting together your meals, aim to include lean proteins like turkey, chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. These help keep your blood sugar levels stable and provide lasting energy. Pairing protein with healthy fats - like avocado, olive oil, or nuts - helps you stay fuller for longer and can curb cravings for sugary treats. Not only will you feel more satisfied, but these foods will also help you avoid blood sugar crashes after the meal.
5. Don’t Skip Meals - Especially Breakfast
It’s tempting to skip meals in order to “save room” for the big Christmas dinner, but skipping meals can lead to overeating later on when you’re too hungry to think clearly. Instead, start your day with a nourishing breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and some fibre. Try starting your day with something like a bowl of porridge topped with nuts and berries, scrambled eggs with spinach, or a smoothie made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and some fresh fruit. These options will keep you full until your next meal and give you the energy you need to get through a busy day of holiday prep or socialising.
When you skip meals, you’re more likely to reach for quick, sugary snacks later on - and that can make you feel sluggish and irritable. By keeping your energy levels stable throughout the day, you’ll be more likely to make better food choices and feel great, even in the midst of the festive chaos.
Bonus Tip: Enjoy Your Treats Without Guilt
Let’s face it - Christmas is a time for delicious treats, and there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in your favourite festive foods. Instead of depriving yourself, try to enjoy them mindfully. Take the time to savour the flavours and textures of each treat, whether it’s a slice of rich Christmas cake, a shortbread biscuit, or a piece of chocolate.
Why not try making some dishes from at home from scratch, it’s a fun festive activity and means you know what exactly is in your food, cutting out overprocessed ingredients and additives. Try making homemade mince pies and desserts with fruit like cinnamon spiced poached pears. Keep some 75% + dark chocolate on hand too for your chocolate fix.
By eating with intention, you’ll find that you enjoy your treats more and are less likely to overindulge. Remember, one indulgent meal or treat won’t derail your healthy habits - it’s about balance and moderation.
Conclusion: Nourishing Your Body and Mind This Christmas
The holiday season doesn’t have to be about overindulgence or feeling guilty about your food choices. By following these simple tips - filling up on veggies, being mindful of portions, staying hydrated, balancing meals with protein and healthy fats, and prioritising breakfast - you can enjoy the festive season to the fullest while still nourishing your body.
After all, Christmas is about creating lasting memories, spending time with loved ones, and feeling your best, inside and out. Take care of yourself this season, and you’ll be able to truly enjoy the holiday magic without the post-feast regrets.
Wishing you a festive, nourished, and joyful Christmas!