Well, can you believe it? December is here already! With the end of the year fast approaching, it’s a time filled with events and celebrations. But with all the festivities, it’s easy to let healthy eating, exercise, and much-needed downtime fall by the wayside. This month, we’re focusing on how to indulge during the holidays without completely setting your health goals back.
1. It’s Okay to Indulge — But Make Mindful Choices
Balance Is Key: The Christmas season is all about enjoyment and celebration, and it’s perfectly fine to indulge in those delicious holiday treats! The goal is balance—savour your favourites, but also listen to your body and avoid overindulging in a way that leaves you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable.
Mindful Eating: When you sit down to a Christmas feast, take your time to savour every bite. Chew slowly, enjoy the flavours, and pause between bites. This gives your body a chance to process the food and prevents overeating.
Portion Control: If you want to enjoy a variety of Christmas foods, that’s perfectly fine, but try to stick to small portions. Instead of filling your plate with a bit of everything, choose a few of your favourite dishes and savour them. This helps prevent overloading your digestive system.
2. Opt for Healthier Versions of Holiday Favourites
Healthier Sweets: Christmas desserts can be rich and sugary, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip them altogether. Opt for lighter versions like fruit salads, berry pavlovas (with less sugar), or a Christmas trifle with Greek yoghurt instead of cream. Fruit-based desserts are naturally sweet and offer plenty of nutrients, so they’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar crash.
Vegetables Can Be Festive Too: Fill your plate with plenty of vegetables—roasted, grilled, or in a vibrant salad. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are deliciously festive and full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They’ll keep you feeling full without weighing you down.
Whole Grains: Swap refined carbs like white bread and pasta for whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or barley. These are rich in fibre and will help you stay fuller longer without causing blood sugar spikes.
3. If You’re Going to Drink, Hydrate in Between
Hydrate First: If you’re having alcohol during the festive season, make sure to drink water in between alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be dehydrating, especially in the heat of an Australian summer, so alternating between water and your drink of choice will help you stay hydrated.
Mindful Drinking: It's easy to get carried away with festive cocktails, but if you're going to indulge, try to pace yourself. Opt for sparkling water with a splash of lime or soda water with a sprig of mint if you're in the mood for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Choose Lighter Drinks: When enjoying alcoholic beverages, lighter options like wine, spritzers, or light beers can be easier on your system than heavy cocktails or sugary mixed drinks. If you enjoy cocktails, go for options made with fresh fruit and herbs to reduce the sugar content.
4. Enjoy the Outdoor Activities, Not Just the Food
Get Active After the Feast: One of the best ways to balance indulgence is to stay active. After a big meal, suggest a walk, a game of backyard cricket, or a swim at the beach. Not only does physical activity help digestion, but it also helps regulate blood sugar and boost your mood.
Stay Outdoors: Take advantage of Australia’s beautiful summer weather and enjoy activities like beach days, hikes, or even a simple walk in the park. Spending time outdoors in the sun is not only good for your body, but also for your mind, helping to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
5. Support Your Digestion Without Deprivation
Ease Digestion Naturally: After a large meal, if you’re feeling a bit heavy, try sipping a warm cup of peppermint or ginger tea. These teas can help soothe your stomach and ease bloating. Just a cup of tea can be a gentle, natural way to support your digestive system without feeling deprived.
Don’t Skip Meals: If you know you're going to indulge at dinner, try to eat lighter meals earlier in the day, focusing on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This will ensure your body isn’t overloaded and that you're still getting nutrients throughout the day.
Fibre Is Your Friend: Incorporate fibre-rich foods like salads, legumes, and whole grains throughout the day. Fibre helps regulate digestion, prevents constipation, and helps you feel fuller for longer. This is especially helpful if you're enjoying rich meals and want to avoid digestive discomfort.
6. Take Time for Rest and Recovery
Sleep Is Essential: Overindulging, especially in food or alcohol, can affect your sleep. Make sure to prioritise rest during the holiday season. A good night’s sleep helps your body recover, boosts immunity, and improves mood. If you're feeling tired from late nights, don’t hesitate to take an afternoon nap or go to bed earlier to allow your body to reset.
Restorative Practices: In addition to sleep, take time during the day to relax and recharge. Gentle activities like yoga, stretching, or even a few minutes of deep breathing can help soothe your nervous system and ease any stress or bloating from overeating.
7. Focus on Connection, Not Just Food
Shift the Focus: While food is a central part of Christmas, the holidays are really about connection, love, and gratitude. Take time to engage in conversations, play games, or take part in activities that bring joy to your heart. When you focus on the experience and the people around you, food doesn’t become the sole focus of the celebration.
Be Gentle with Yourself: The holidays are a time for joy, not guilt. It’s okay to indulge in festive foods and enjoy your favourite treats. If you overeat or have a few too many drinks, don’t beat yourself up. Just return to balance the next day, focusing on hydration, light meals, and physical activity.
8. Support Your Immune System Naturally
Eat for Immunity: A healthy immune system is important, especially during the holidays when you may be surrounded by large groups of people. To support your immune system, focus on vitamin-rich foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, garlic, and ginger. These natural foods help keep your immune system strong and help your body fight off any seasonal bugs.
Stay Active for Immunity: Regular movement is one of the best ways to keep your immune system functioning optimally. If you’ve overindulged, a brisk walk or a swim can help boost circulation and help your body metabolise food more effectively.
By making mindful choices and finding balance, you can fully enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. It’s all about finding a healthy rhythm—indulge when you want, but balance it with nourishing food, hydration, rest, and plenty of outdoor fun! Enjoy your holidays with joy, connection, and vitality.
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