The festive season is a wonderful time of year filled with celebrations, delicious food, and time spent with loved ones. However, with the abundance of indulgent meals and treats, it’s easy to go overboard and feel less than your best. While it’s important to enjoy the holidays, a little mindfulness can go a long way in helping you maintain a healthy balance.
Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy the festive season without overindulging:
- Practice Portion Control
- Use smaller plates to help manage portion sizes. It works!
- Instead of piling your plate high, take a little of everything you enjoy.
- Balance Your Meals
- Aim for a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and fibre-rich foods at every meal.
- Fill your plate with plenty of vegetables—they’re nutritious and keep you feeling full longer.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink water throughout the day, especially if you’re enjoying festive drinks like wine or cocktails.
- Sometimes thirst can feel like hunger, so staying hydrated may help you avoid unnecessary snacking.
- Don’t Skip Meals – as tempting as it is!
- Skipping breakfast or lunch in anticipation of a big festive dinner can lead to overeating.
- Stick to regular, balanced meals to keep your appetite under control.
- Eat Mindfully
- Slow down and savour each bite, paying attention to how the food tastes and how it makes you feel.
- Recognise when you’re full and avoid eating just because food is available.
- Be Selective with Treats
- You don’t have to try every dessert. Pick your favourite treat and enjoy it mindfully.
- Alternatively sample a SMALL taste of everything rather than full portions.
- Stay Active
- Balance out the extra calories by staying active.
- Go for a walk after meals, play a game with family, or find an activity to get moving.
- Plan Ahead
- If you’re attending multiple gatherings, plan lighter meals on other days.
- Schedule time for exercise or movement to offset indulgent meals.
- Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
- Alcohol and sugary beverages can add extra calories quickly.
- Set a limit for yourself or alternate between festive drinks and water.
Read more about alcohol in our article “Silly Season – Christmas and Alcohol”.
It’s okay to indulge a little—it’s the festive season, after all!
Don’t beat yourself up over enjoying a slice of cake or an extra serving. Balance is key, and you can get back on track the next day.
Just remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not just the food.
After all, the best way to start the new year is feeling happy, healthy, and ready for whatever comes next.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with a GP. Links to other (“third party”) websites are provided solely as a convenience and not as a guarantee or recommendation by Park Street General Practice for the services, information, opinion or any other content on such third party websites or as an indication of any affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement of such third party websites.
