Christmas can be a daunting time for anyone who has been working hard on improving their diet, health and wellbeing. Over the holiday our routine usually goes out of the window and we are often surrounded with enticing and indulgent treats. It is no wonder that staying healthy can feel like a fight against the tide.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Christmas in our culture is too often assumed to involve over-indulgence and lethargy. When we think about what Christmas could be, we can readjust our mindset to consider it as a time of rest, catching up with loved ones, celebrating winter flavours and taking joy in little pleasures in life. Make your Christmas suit you. Here are some of my top tips to stay healthy and well over the winter season and start the New Year feeling fresh.

Start the days with a healthy breakfast

Set yourself up for the day by getting a good variety of nutrients and fibre from your breakfast. Choosing porridge with fruits and seeds, wholemeal toast with peanut butter and banana or a fresh fruit and vegetables smoothie can tick off many nutritional needs before any indulging begins. It will also support you to feel full and energised to tackle the day ahead without relying on sweet or salty treats.

Stay hydrated

It’s easy for us to mistake our thirst for hunger, so staying hydrated may reduce your risk of overeating. At the same time, staying hydrated will support your digestive health, and reduce any dehydrating effects of alcohol over the festive period. You could aim to drink a glass of water before each meal or snack. 

Keep healthy snacks on hand

There will no doubt be mince pies, chocolates and cheese straws floating around over the Christmas season, so make sure these don’t become the go-to snack. Keep some high fibre and nutrient-rich snacks on hand. Why not choose satsumas, dried fruits, and mixed nuts as healthy but seasonal snacks. Those extra nutrients will support your gut health and help you fight off those winter bugs.

Move your body

It can be difficult to feel like moving over the Christmas period, but you will feel great for it. Even short walks can be wonderful for your wellbeing. Break up the days by donning your winter coat and breathing in some fresh air whilst also getting your blood pumping. If you’re looking for more fun, why not go ice-skating, jogging with a friend or dance around to those classic Christmas tunes?

Indulge but don’t over-indulge

Enjoying your food doesn’t mean you have to give yourself a stomach-ache. You can absolutely take joy in the seasonal treats without over-doing it. Find the middle ground and get intuitive with your feelings of satiety.

Don’t wait until January

We make hundreds of food decisions every day. By making some of those choices’ healthy ones now, January won’t feel quite as daunting. Say yes to the extra veg, eat a portion of fruit before your mince pie, and consider having a glass of water between tipples.

Keep the festivities short

When it comes to food, it’s easy to think ‘what the hell’ all month long. But by keeping that to perhaps just the few days or week around Christmas, it’s easier to get back to healthier habits in the New Year. If you have parties or events throughout the month, aim to eat a more balanced and fibre-rich diet on the other days.

Take care of your mental health

Christmas can be overwhelming. With decorating, cooking, buying gifts and having friends and family to stay, it’s easy to lose out on time for yourself. Try to work this into your plan. Try a short meditation, go to that yoga class you love, call a loved one or take a walk or a bath just for you. At the same time, protecting your sleep time and moving your body every day will enhance your mental wellbeing.

Don’t feel guilty

It’s easy to ruminate negatively what you may have eaten but there really is no point. The most important thing to think about is what you do next. What foods make you feel good? Choose those at your next meal or snack. It is crucial that you don’t start restricting food to ‘make up’ for what you have eaten; this is how the binge and restrict cycle starts and this can be a slippery slope. Listen to your body and when you feel pangs of hunger again or the next meal rolls around, go for nourishing and high fibre foods.

It’s not all about sugar, fat, and chocolate

There is so much more to seasonal eating that the high energy treats. Once upon a time, we would be celebrating everything the season had to offer such as oranges (from faraway lands!), cranberries, sprouts, parsnips, Brussel sprouts and chestnuts. Let’s save some of our celebrations for those!

Are there any other things you do to stay well over the Christmas period? Feel free to share them with me over the month so I can share them with our community. Let’s all feel amazing this winter.