If you’ve been looking to eat more healthily to feel better, boost skin or maintain a steady weight, Christmas can be a challenge. As we prepare for the festive season, we asked our Nutritional Therapists at Seed to share their top tips to help you stay on track.
Caroline Barton, Nutritional Therapist in Beaconsfield says, “Firstly, eat a good nutritious breakfast. It sets your metabolism up well for the day ahead and you are much more likely to make good food choices. Keep a good meal routine. Don’t be tempted to skip meals so you get hungry. Again, this helps you make good food choices as the day goes on.
“Eat your veggies first so you fill up on the good stuff. And go for a walk after you’ve had a larger meal as this helps to get your blood sugar back in balance and you’ll feel the benefit.
“Alcohol is always tricky at Christmas. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks and sparkling water. And stay hydrated. Even 1-2% dehydration affects mood, anxiety and sleep so it’s really important to stay on top of that.”
And Michelle Smith, Nutritional Therapist in Marlow, says, “Christmas is a time of tempting snacks and treats. It can help to balance your blood sugar if you regularly include protein or fibre; choose nuts instead of crisps and serving nuts that need to be cracked from their shells. This not only slows down our grazing but are good old-fashioned Christmas fun!
“When at a restaurant it helps to look at the menu and decide what to eat ahead of time. It’s easier to make healthier choices before a pre-dinner drink!
“Take a leaf out of the French book and start a large meal with a bitter leaf salad – think rocket, watercress and crispy purple lettuce. These trigger the release of digestive enzymes and prepare your gut to receive the richer / heavier food we tend to eat over the festive season.
“If you do eat late, try to delay the time of your breakfast the next day (although as Caroline mentioned, absolutely don’t skip it!). This will give your body more time to rest and digest the previous meal.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself!! Sharing food with family and friends is a part of the joy of Christmas.”
Both Caroline and Michelle offer 1:1 nutritional consultations in person and online. For more information or to book, click on the following links:
www.seedwellness.co.uk/carolinebarton
www.seedwellness.co.uk/michellesmith
