We all enjoy a bit of indulgence at Christmas, with food and drink central to the festivities. However if you are trying to manage your weight and look after your health, navigating the party season can be a challenge.
Here’s the good news: lots of traditional Christmas foods are great healthy choices! Turkey, salmon, beef, tangerines, nuts, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, red cabbage, are all great sources of protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals – so enjoy them.
Start the day with a good breakfast including protein and fibre – for example porridge, eggs or yoghurt with nuts and fruit. This will stabilize your blood sugar and support your mood, energy and sleep, and you’ll be less tempted to snack. Later, enjoy your mince pie or chocolate as dessert rather than between meals, take time to savour, chew well, notice flavour and texture, and you’ll feel satisfied with smaller portions, and won’t feel too full.
Do eat what you want. But that doesn’t mean having chocolate/cake/crisps every day just because it’s December. It encompasses how you feel shortly afterwards, and the next day. It means enjoying treats without sabotaging your goals, and still staying on track to feel healthy and vibrant. Short-term temptation often leads to excess eating – it’s easy to disassociate with what comes later. So don’t lose sight of what you truly want. And that’s not always the cake.
Stay hydrated over Christmas – it helps detoxification, brain function, digestion, skin, and combats fatigue. Start the day with a large glass of water to replenish the system, and drink 1.5 – 2 litres per day. To enjoy Christmas drinks without overdoing things, make your first party drink non-alcoholic (that’s when we tend to drink quickest), alternate alcohol with water, have three alcohol-free days per week, and have one or two non-alcoholic alternatives handy. Try a Ginger Lemon Sparkler of 2oz each of fresh ginger juice and lemon juice, shake well, pour over ice with 2oz soda water. Use a lovely glass and make it feel special.
Finally, if you are masterminding Christmas in your house, it can be pretty overwhelming. Take care of yourself – ensure you set aside time each day to relax – a hot bath, a peaceful cuppa, a walk outdoors. You’ll feel more able to cope and everyone will benefit. Happy Christmas!
Caroline Barton is a Nutritional Therapist @ Seed Wellness. For more info visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/carolinebarton
