How To Stay Well Over The Festive Period
Before you dive in, I want to put the following out there about the festive period… Christmas is the 24th and 25th December, 26th Boxing day. Somehow, somewhere, in the world of marketing and sales, we have been tricked into thinking ‘Christmas’ is the entire month of December and therefore all sense and sensibility has flown out the window, to be located somewhere in the New Year. This is not me being a ‘Fun-Sponge’ but rather a realist and a mindful nutritionist. This ‘behaviour pattern’ appears with summer holidays and it can be a really big whack on our bodies and nervous systems as we navigate the items in our wardrobe. This notion that weight is everyone’s ticket to happiness, I call BS. (Spoiler alert, there are often a few other tweaks required!)
What if? What if we took responsibility for our gorgeous, incredible body, whatever state you perceive it to be in. What if we nurtured and accepted and loved our body. What if we let our children, our friends and the wider world know, we aren’t playing that game anymore? What if we made the decision to live. To live fully in the present, in our body, in the moments, in the creation of memories through incredible experiences. What if.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a mince pie, chocolate truffles and sausage rolls! Do I lose my mind when these things appear in October, or even September? Nope. I know they are there. I know they will be there every year. I also know we are being fooled from a scarcity mindset, the BOGOF deals, the clever locating of items with the stores. I invite you to ponder this when shopping and planning your gift-giving.
The Christmas season is filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and plenty of delicious food, which can make it challenging to stick to healthy eating habits. However, with a few mindful choices and simple strategies, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your nutrition. Here’s a guide on how to stay nutritionally healthy over the Christmas period, while still allowing yourself to indulge and enjoy the season.
Start with a Plan!
One of the best ways to maintain balanced nutrition is to approach the holiday season with a plan. Knowing that there will be treats and special meals, try to make most of your daily meals balanced and nutrient-dense. Aim to fill up on lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables in your daily meals. When you do attend a festive gathering, you’ll be less likely to overindulge since your body is already well-nourished and your energy levels are balanced.
Fill Your Plate Mindfully
When faced with a holiday buffet or family feast, it’s easy to overload your plate. A helpful tip is to fill half of your plate with vegetables, which are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and winter squash are great options that provide plenty of flavour and nutrients. For the remaining half of your plate, choose lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or salmon, and include a small serving of whole grains or root vegetables for a balanced meal.
To avoid overeating, try to slow down and savour each bite. By eating mindfully, you’ll be more in tune with your hunger and fullness cues, making it easier to stop when you’re satisfied.
Prioritise Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for digestion, energy, and preventing cravings. It’s common to confuse thirst with hunger, so drinking plenty of water can help you stay in tune with your body’s needs. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, and more if you’re drinking alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
If plain water doesn’t appeal, try adding slices of citrus fruit or a few mint leaves or cucumber slices for natural flavour. Herbal teas are also great for staying hydrated and can add a cosy touch to winter evenings without added sugars.
Mocktails are another exciting way to jazz up your Christmas drinks without sacrificing your energy and hydration. There are so many incredible festive ideas out there. I always love choosing the most beautiful glasses and stem decorations-helps to prevent anyone picking up the wrong drink as well as looking fancy!
Be Intentional with ‘Treats’
The Christmas season is brimming with tempting sweets, from cookies to rich desserts. Rather than abstaining entirely or indulging in everything, try to be selective and intentional. Choose treats that are truly special to you, and enjoy them mindfully. By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll be more satisfied with smaller amounts and less likely to feel deprived.
If you’re baking or bringing a dessert to share, consider using healthier ingredient swaps, such as whole-grain flour, natural sweeteners, or adding nuts and fruits for extra fibre and nutrients. Over the years I have made some really successful swaps in my cheesecakes, my brownies and so on!
Stay Active (or introduce walks!)
Keeping active is another way to support your nutritional health over the holidays. Exercise helps to reduce stress, may boost your metabolism, and help maintain energy balance. Incorporate movement each day, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, or even a fun holiday dance party with family. Many find that staying active also helps curb cravings and boosts their motivation to make healthier food choices. Often folks use time as an excuse to shelf exercise. Hopefully, with some time off work, you can start to introduce some walks in the crisp fresh air. Why not invite a friend or family member that could benefit from the same!
Manage Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is often a part of holiday celebrations, but it’s also high in empty calories and can impact blood sugar levels, which can lead to overeating (amongst other behaviours)! It may also negatively impact your sleep. To manage your intake, consider alternating alcoholic drinks with water or sparkling water. You can also choose lighter options, like wine or spritzers, or even try festive mocktails for a healthier alternative.
If you do drink, try to limit it to one or two occasions, and focus on drinking in moderation. Your body and mind will thank you for it, especially when it’s time to return to routine after the holidays.
Listen to Your Body’s Cues
During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of food, but listening to your body can help you stay balanced. Pay attention to feelings of hunger and fullness, and avoid eating out of obligation. Remember that it’s okay to say no to more food if you’re not hungry or if you’ve already had your fill of sweets.
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. Staying healthy during the holidays isn’t about being perfect but finding balance. If you have a big meal one evening, make the next day’s meals a bit lighter with vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water. Aim to keep your approach flexible and forgiving—one meal won’t undo months of healthy habits.
Enjoy the Season Mindfully
Staying nutritionally healthy over Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the fun or the food. By focusing on balance, portion control, hydration, and mindful choices, you can enjoy the holiday season while still taking care of your health. Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy the festivities, maintain your energy, and enter the new year feeling refreshed and nourished.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2025.
Sally Munro is a Registered Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, Yoga Teacher and Director of Simply Swim Aberdeen swim school. Working with clients of all ages and stages of life, Sally focuses on the simple steps you can take towards improving your health and wellbeing.
website: www.sallymunro.co.uk
email: hello@sallymunro.co.uk
Instagram: @salthewellnesswarrior
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