Finding Balance

Christmas is often a time of celebration, but it can present unique challenges when you’re working towards health and weight loss goals. 

This article will help you navigate the season with intention, providing simple strategies to help you prioritise joy, connection and health, to help you maintain your progress.

Define Your Christmas Vision 

Before the festivities begin, take a moment to set your intentions for how you want to feel. Your success is measured by more than just the number on the scale.

• Set Intentions: Decide what success looks like for you over the festive period (e.g., being present, managing stress, enjoying social connection, feeling energised, maintaining weight, staying active).
• Focus on Energy: Prioritise choices that leave you feeling energised and comfortable, rather than sluggish or overly full.
• Be Realistic: Factor in some of your favourite festive foods to be enjoyed in smaller servings.

Smart Strategies for Festive Dining 

A reduced appetite makes it possible to enjoy a little of what you fancy, however, this means it’s even more important to include a balance and variety of foods to nourish your body.

Focus on Food Quality

• Prioritise Protein:  Fill your plate first with lean proteins (such as turkey).
• Fibre is Key: The fibre in plants (vegetables, salad, fruit and whole grains) aids digestion, promotes stable blood sugar levels and supports gut health.
• Balance your plate: Aim for ¼ plate as protein, ¼ as carbohydrates and ½ as colourful vegetables or salad.

Maintain Your Routine

• Eat regular meals: Eating regular meals promotes stable energy and blood sugar levels, while nourishing your body. Maintain your regular meal structure where possible.
• Stay Consistent: Keep your non-Christmas meals balanced and protein-rich, just as you would normally.

Factor in less balanced foods

• Plan other foods: It’s okay to factor in occasional less balanced options. Plan for the treats you look forward to most – a mince pie, a slice of yule log, or anything else that truly brings you joy.
• Moderate portions: Enjoy a small, satisfying portion of your favourite Christmas foods; savour the flavour and aim to eat slowly and mindfully.

Support Your Body & Mind 

Self-care and consistency in routine are your allies during the busy Christmas period.

Stay Hydrated

• Water is Essential: Hydration is vital for preventing common side effects like constipation and nausea. Sip water throughout the day.
• Drink Mindfully: Enjoy your favourite tipple but focus on hydration. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
• Consider alternatives: Soda or sparkling water with ice and lemon in a fancy glass, sugar free tonic water or even alcohol free spirits with a mixer make tasty alternatives – mindful drinking doesn’t have to be boring!

Maintain Movement

Keep Moving: Factor in your regular physical activity and look for simple ways to move more:

• A festive walk around your local area to see lights.
• Add in a few minutes of bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges) while waiting for the kettle to boil.
• Take things upstairs as and when, rather than in one trip.

Prioritise Self-Care

• Manage Sleep: The change in routine at Christmas can impact our sleep. Aim for a consistent bedtime and prioritise rest, as sleep quality directly impacts hunger, energy and how we feel.
• Carve out ‘you time’: Christmas is a joyous time for many, however socialising and spending time with family can be a source of stress. Be mindful of your needs and factor in some down time if beneficial for you.

Keep Perspective 

• Temporary Period: Remember, the Christmas period is only a few days, and when you view this in the context of a month or a year, it’s such a tiny amount of time. Meaningful progress is built over a longer time period; a few days of eating differently over Christmas won’t make or break your health journey.
• Refocus: When the festivities are over, you can simply return to your normal healthy habits and routine.