Christmas is a magical time of the year! Here in Australia, Christmas coincides with summer and many people take the opportunity to have a few weeks off and enjoy the sunshine and our wonderful beaches. A wonderful part of the Christmas holidays is catching up with friends and family; it’s lovely to get together and share a special meal and enjoy the company of those we love. A little bit of preparation and you’ll be able to survive Christmas feasts – without derailing your health goals.
Christmas isn’t always a picture-perfect celebration. For many, the season can stir complex emotions—whether it’s missing loved ones who are no longer with us, feeling separated from family, navigating difficult relationships, or managing the stress of holiday preparations. Today, I want to explore how we can enjoy the festivities while staying true to our health and well-being.
To support you through this potentially challenging season, I’ve compiled a list of strategies that will help you enjoy the festivities while staying true to your health goals.
Plan Ahead – Your Pre-feast Strategy
Taking the time to plan what you’ll be eating, will pay off.
- Eat a balanced meal before the event so you don’t arrive ravenous and aren’t overly tempted by unhealthy treats and snacks
- Bring a nutritious dish to share, ensuring you’ll have a healthy option on the table
- Always start your day with a protein rich breakfast – ham on rye bread anyone?
- Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep you hydrated
Master Portion Control
The secret to enjoying festive foods is mindful indulgence. Sample your favorite dishes in small amounts, avoiding overindulgence.
When filling your plate, aim for a balanced approach:
- Cover 50% of your plate with vegetables
- Include a palm-sized portion of protein
- Choose a smaller plate, it will help you to keep your portion size under control as we tend to fill our plates as we don’t want to miss out.
Remember, there will always be another opportunity for that extra slice of pavlova or Christmas pudding, so don’t feel pressured to consume everything at once.
Dessert Wisdom
- Serve yourself smaller servings
- Eat slowly and savour every bite. By slowing down and paying attention to the flavour and texture of the food, you’ll find you actually enjoy it more
- Share a dessert with a family member.
Drink Mindfully
Follow health guidelines and drink responsibly. A simple strategy is to alternate alcoholic drinks with water, helping you stay hydrated and moderate your intake.
Embrace Mindful Eating
Slow down and truly taste your food. Mindful eating not only increases enjoyment but also helps prevent overeating by allowing you to notice when you’re full.
Stay Active
Make time for exercise each day, even if it’s just a short walk. A post-meal stroll can help with digestion and keep your energy levels up.
Recovery: Banish the Guilt
Remember health is about balance, not perfection. If you over-indulge or eat food you know you should avoid, just get back to your normal eating habits with the next meal. There’s no need to skip meals or punish yourself
Between celebrations make sure you have nutritious healthy food on hand so you don’t resort to less healthy alternatives.
Keep it in perspective: Even if you’re eating out 3 times a week, you still have18 meals for you to stay consistent with your health goals!
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. While it’s important to be mindful of your health, it’s equally crucial to be kind to yourself.
Remember, small, thoughtful adjustments can make a profound difference—a slightly smaller portion here, a mindful bite there, a moment of conscious enjoyment.
These strategies aren’t about restriction, but about finding a balanced approach that lets you fully enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Every meal is an opportunity, every gathering a chance to create memories, and every bite can be a moment of pure pleasure. Small choices can lead to meaningful changes, not through perfection, but through gentle, consistent care.
So this Christmas, nourish not just your body, but your soul. Savor the food, cherish the company, and remember that true health is about feeling good—inside and out.
Wishing you a delightful and delicious Christmas!
Kim Healey
Nutritionist
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