The festive season is a time for enjoyment, togetherness, and celebration. However, it can also be a time when healthy habits slip due to indulgent tempting foods, busy schedules, and reduced activity. The good news is that it’s easier than you’d think to stay healthy and energised at Christmas. With a few mindful adjustments such as these 8 tips by Amy Cottrell, Registered Nutritionist mBANT, rCNHC and Mesi Balog, Workplace Wellbeing Consultant & Founder of Treat Your Staff, you can enjoy the festivities whilst still feeling your best…
1. Before eating anything: Brain declutter
The Holiday period is the perfect time to wind down, calm body & mind, and slowly get used to not checking work emails every 10 minutes on our phones. It can get busy in different ways though: filled with social activities, family gatherings, skipping the regular workouts and constant alcohol consumption. Thatโs why itโs so important to help our mind to recharge, allowing me-time, โdoing nothingโ, and practising mindfulness and meditation. These are essential to declutter our brain, allowing space for inner peace.ย
2. Embrace mindful festive feasting
Christmastime is full of delicious foods, which you can still enjoy while prioritising your health. The trick is to focus on balance – where you can, continue to have meals where you fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and the rest with starchy foods like sweet potato, quinoa or rice – this will keep your blood sugar balanced and prevent cravings. This means that when festive treats are on offer, you can have a small portion and really savour and enjoy it. If you feast purely on the treats, your blood sugar balance will likely be up and down like a rollercoaster, leaving you craving more and potentially overeating.ย
3. Festive foods around the home – can I still enjoy my favourites?
Christmas is a time to enjoy some of your favourite treats – you donโt have to avoid them entirely. Instead, for those that you do purchase, store them out of sight to avoid mindless snacking and when you do eat them, be intentional and serve indulgent foods in small portions and at designated times, like after meals, to enjoy them mindfully. Filling your kitchen with healthier options that are readily on hand also ensures youโre never short of wholesome choices for meals or snacks.ย
4. Navigating eating outโฆand sharing the dessert ๐
Social meals are a big part of the festive season, but they donโt have to derail your health. Choose dishes rich in vegetables and lean proteins when dining out, and savour every bite. Ideally stick to one course and skip the bread basket, so you can focus on your main meal. When it comes to desserts, consider sharing them so that you can enjoy a sweet treat at the end of the meal without feeling repeatedly overindulged.ย
5. Fancy a mocktail? – drinking wisely
Alcohol can take a toll on your health and your waistline if consumed in excess. Opt for lower-sugar drinks like wine or spirits with soda water, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated. Also aim to set yourself a limit on evenings out to avoid overdoing it and switch to a non-alcoholic alternative after 9pm. The great thing is that we now also have a variety of delicious alcoholic free alternatives – weโre no longer stuck with juice or fizzy drinks as the only non-alcoholic options.ย
6. Your Christmas Day meal plan
Start the day with a nutritious breakfast/snack to keep your energy steady. If you skip your first meal โsaving spaceโ for the main event, youโll likely feel overly hungry when you do eat, eat quickly and potentially overeat. But if youโve had something a couple of hours before, you can take your time, really enjoy it and be more aware of when you feel full and satisfied. Take breaks between courses to help your body digest and give yourself time to really enjoy the company around you.ย
7. Avoiding the Christmas after-shock: January early alarm clocks
Post-Christmas, focus on gentle habits that restore your energy. Try intermittent fasting (having a break from eating for 12โ14 hours overnight, for example) or opt for lighter meals like soups and salads if your body feels overindulged. Itโs also important to stay hydrated with water or herbal teas. Incorporate light activity daily, like walking or yoga, to keep your body and mind refreshed and get daylight on your eyes as soon as possible after waking to help support your circadian rhythm. Try and stick to your usual sleep schedule where possible – this means when youโre back at work in January, the early alarm clock wonโt be such a shock to the system.
8. Dancing around the tree – movement tips for busy days
It can be hard to prioritise exercise during the festive season, but even small efforts make a big difference. Try quick 10-minute workouts on YouTube, or stretches first thing in the morning to stay active. Turn family time into an opportunity for movement, whether itโs a walk after a meal, or an active game. Dancing to Christmas music is also a fun way to stay active while boosting your mood.
Above all, enjoy your festive season!
The holidays are a time to celebrate, connect, and relax, but your health doesnโt have to take a backseat. By implementing small, mindful changes to your daily routines, you can still feel energised and healthy throughout the season and start off 2025 without feeling like you need to start from scratch with your health and wellbeing goals!ย
You can find more wellbeing advice from Amy and Mesi at:
Amy Cottrell www.amycottrellnutrition.com
Mesi Balog ย www.treatyourstaff.co.uk
