Christmas is all about the chocolates, mince pies and sweeties…right? Well how about a Healthy, Happy Christmas this year…? No, maybe I can convince you. My latest blog talked all about the long month that is December and how we can actually improve how we feel in January by eating for the season and watching what we eat before we get to the big day.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…healthy eating…over Christmas?! But, actually, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy yourself, to indulge a little but also to not start the year feeling at your worst and yet again forcing yourself into another diet which you know won’t last first two weeks of January? (See my ditch the detox article for Harper’s Bazaar and articles on New Year New You!)
Below I’ve written some of my FAVOURITE top tips to help you make the most out of the holiday season, but without compromising your weight and health for next year!
- Aim to stick to your normal food routine, eating regularly to make sure you don’t miss out on your daily nutrients or that hunger pangs lead to episodes of overeating!
- Try to eat regularly, having something similar to a breakfast, lunch, dinner and some healthy snacks in-between – even on Christmas Day – as this can help you to avoid grazing on too many readily available choccies during the day.
- Top up at breakfast by having something filling and nutrient-dense such as scrambled egg on wholemeal toast or porridge with dried fruits. See my top ten healthy breakfasts for some inspo!
- Use seasonal foods such as chestnuts, oranges and cranberries to highlight the festive time rather than just focusing on sweets and other ‘empty calories’.
- Hot cross buns, teacakes and fruit scones can make a delicious, healthy treats and there are plenty of in-season vegetables to include in meals and snacks throughout the day too.
- For Christmas dinner try lean and organic meats so you eat less calories for your meal overall.
- Trim the fat off any meats and also try healthier methods of cooking such as boiling, steaming, grilling and dry roasting.
- You could also try making your own gravy using the water from the vegetables rather than the fat from the meat and use herbs, spices and lemon juice to flavour foods and dishes, rather than salt, sugar and fat.
- Make homemade soups using seasonal vegetables or leftover vegetables to avoid food waste and as another healthy meal idea.
- Christmas dinner is all about the….VEG…! Remember to fill your plate with mostly vegetables, which helps to boost your nutrient and fibre intake, whilst keeping calorie intake much lower. You could also make mealtimes a little more exciting by trying new or exotic vegetables with your evening meals.
- Fruit puddings are great at this time of year so have a go at making plenty of nutrient-rich desserts for the whole family.
- Get outside and get active – it may be cold, but this time of year is all about having fun, playing and being with your family. So instead of sitting inside, watching TV and playing computer games, get the kids wrapped up and get outside for some active games, snowman building or a nice walk.
- Alternatively make plenty of active games to take part in inside such as hide and seek or musical chairs.
- Avoid fizzy and sugary drinks this year and instead try making your own fresh juices or opt for cordials. You could try making a non-alcoholic mulled wine for the family by warming fruit juice and adding some cinnamon, nutmeg and other flavours.
- When going to parties, try and have a small, healthy snack to eat before you leave so you don’t feel too hungry when you get there. Avoid standing by buffet tables and reduce the urge to ‘pick’ at foods, which often ends in us eating much more than we think.
- When drinking, try and have some water in-between each alcoholic drink to keep you hydrated and stop you from getting too drunk and feeling the effect the next day. See my article from Harper’s Bazaar on the best alcohol choices.
- Don’t completely restrict yourself – enjoy your cake and some choccies – but be mindful that going overboard is likely to make you feel much worse in the long run.
I hope you’ve found these useful! Please do send me any tips you have yourself or any feedback on the ideas above. Have a Healthy, Happy Christmas!
