These healthy Christmas eating tips will help you enjoy the festive season without compromising your hard work or feeling guilty about indulging in holiday treats. For many of us, as we get past the mid-point of December, we are starting to feel like letting the buckle hole stretch further as the Christmas events get more plentiful. The over-abundance of food and alcohol available between now and the new year undoubtably leads to much temptation making it hard to maintain that summer body you have worked so hard for!
Read on for 5 tips that will help you get through the festive season while maintaining your hard work from 2024.
Fuel up with a balanced breakfast
As crazy as the mornings are in the lead up to Christmas, not to mention Christmas morning itself; skipping breakfast now and always is something that should be avoided. Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day as a balanced meal will provide carbs to give energy to the brain and body, balance blood sugar levels. It is also a great opportunity to boost your fibre intake.
Incorporating fibre and protein into your breakfast will help you to feel fuller for longer, and stop that mid-morning slump when all you want is a high sugar snack. As Christmas is a time where rich foods are more plentiful, getting fibre in where you can becomes increasingly important as insoluble fibre is beneficial in aiding digestion.
Some examples of a high-fibre breakfast include;
- rolled oats,
- 1-2 slices of wholegrain toast or
- 1 medium apple or banana paired with your usual breakfast food.
Adding some chia seeds to oats, or some protein powder to maintain muscle and refrain from cheese and pate (until lunch at least).
Practise mindful eating
Mindful eating at Christmas helps you enjoy festive foods while maintaining balance and avoiding overindulgence. By pausing before meals and checking in with your hunger levels, you can ensure you’re eating for nourishment rather than out of habit or stress. Eating slowly, savouring each bite, and focusing on the flavours and textures of your food can enhance your enjoyment while helping you recognise when you’re full.
Balancing indulgent treats with nutrient-rich options, such as vegetables or lean proteins, allows for a guilt-free celebration. Practicing mindfulness also helps manage emotional eating, keeping the focus on enjoying the season rather than feeling stressed or overwhelmed by food choices.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated during the festive season in the Australian heat is essential for maintaining energy, preventing dehydration, and supporting overall health. High temperatures, along with outdoor celebrations and alcohol consumption, can lead to fluid loss, leaving you feeling fatigued.
To stay hydrated, aim for 2-3 litres of water daily, increase intake if you’re outdoors, and infuse your water with fruits or herbs for variety. Eating hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber also helps. Limiting alcohol and caffeine can also prevent dehydration. Carrying a water bottle and watching for signs of dehydration ensures you stay refreshed throughout the festivities.
Keep track of alcohol
There is no denying that most Australian households will supply alcohol during the festive season. There is also no denying that having one too many drinks can lead to a nasty hangover in the morning and some unwanted weight gain. It is important to follow Australia’s alcohol guidelines to minimise health risks while enjoying the festive season.
Healthy adults should aim to drink no more than 4 standard drinks in a single night and 10 standard drinks per week, spreading consumption over several days to reduce the risk of harm. With holiday celebrations often involving alcohol, it’s easy to overindulge. Staying mindful of these limits can help you avoid harmful consequences.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol entirely, and for those under 18, it’s safest not to drink at all. By drinking responsibly, you can enjoy the festivities while staying healthy and safe.
If you DO choose to drink
- Watch your serving size! Many wine glasses are up to three times the serving size. Remember, if the bottle is 750mL and you know that one standard drink is ~100mL you should be able to pour around 7 glasses from one bottle.
- Try and avoid top-ups as you can easily lose track of how much you’ve consumed.
- Alternate between drinking alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For a lot of people, the idea of just holding a wine glass is what makes them drink. So instead of asking for another top-up, fill your wine or beer glass with some water or soda water and lime just to trick your body you are drinking alc feeling of drinking alcohol.
Enjoy SOME Indulgence!!
Christmas is a time to celebrate, and allowing yourself some indulgence in food and drink is part of enjoying the festive spirit. It’s about finding a balance between enjoying special treats and maintaining overall health. A little indulgence can make holiday meals feel more enjoyable and memorable without leading to guilt or overconsumption.
In summary
Incorporating these healthy Christmas eating tips will help you strike the perfect balance between enjoying festive indulgence and maintaining your health goals. Enjoying Christmas indulgences in moderation helps you stay connected to the season’s traditions, creating lasting memories. Restricting yourself too much can lead to feelings of deprivation, which might cause overeating later. So, it’s important to give yourself permission to enjoy festive foods while staying mindful of your body’s cues. By embracing moderation and savoring the season’s treats, you can enjoy Christmas to the fullest while maintaining a healthy balance.
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