Surviving the Christmas Period Without Derailing Your Health

The festive season is synonymous with indulgence. From mince pies to mulled wine, December is filled with opportunities to overindulge. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and, yes, an abundance of food and drink. But if you’re striving to maintain a healthy balance, navigating the holidays can feel like walking a tightrope.

The good news? With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you don’t have to choose between enjoying Christmas and staying on track. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain balance while still indulging in the magic of the season.

1. Prioritize Healthy Swaps

Smart Swaps for Festive Favorites:

• Swap Creamy Dips for Hummus: Use hummus or Greek yoghurt-based dips instead of calorie-heavy options like sour cream or cheese dips.
• Choose Dark Chocolate Over Milk Chocolate: Dark chocolate has less sugar and contains antioxidants.
• Lighten Up Desserts: Substitute sugar with unsweetened applesauce or natural sweeteners like honey.
• Pick the Protein: Focus on lean proteins like turkey or salmon at Christmas buffets. Or, for a quick and easy option, grab our Ready Cooked Chicken Breasts, with 34g of protein, and only 148 calories per serving.

2. Control Portions Without Feeling Deprived

How to Master Portion Control:

• Use Smaller Plates: A smaller plate makes portions appear larger, helping you feel satisfied with less.
• Start With Veggies: Fill half your plate with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or other fibre-rich vegetables.
• Slow Down: Eating slowly gives your brain time to recognize when you’re full.
• Savour Mindfully: Enjoy holiday desserts in smaller portions. Pair smaller indulgences with a nutrient-packed meal: Breaded Chicken Katsu Curry, for example, (we ARE biased) will deliver 29g of protein!

3. Incorporate Quick, Healthy Meals

December is one of the busiest months of the year, and balanced eating can often take a back seat. But sticking to a routine doesn’t have to be difficult—fill your freezer, it’s a gastronomic support network!

• Quick and Convenient: Meals like our Pot O’ Gold are ready in 6 minutes, making them ideal for time-pressed days.
• Portion-Controlled: Each meal is pre-portioned to prevent overeating, all with balanced macros.
• Festive Flavours Without the Guilt: Options like our new Signature Meal: Hearty Lamb Hotpot combine seasonal warmth with health-conscious ingredients.

4. Stay Hydrated

Tips for Staying Hydrated Over Christmas:

• Start Your Day With Water: Begin each morning with a glass of water to kickstart hydration.
• Alternate Drinks: For every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water or sparkling water. This helps reduce calorie intake from alcohol while preventing dehydration.
• Add a Festive Twist: Infuse water with cranberries, orange slices, or cinnamon for holiday flavours.
• Stay Hydrated With Food: Foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelons are rich in water. Add a side of roasted vegetables to our Chicken Bites for a hydrating, nutrient-packed boost.

5. Move, Even If It’s Minimal

Easy Ways to Stay Active:

• Post-Meal Walks: Walking after meals improves digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Festive Fun: Play active games with family or go ice skating for a seasonal workout.
• Short Sessions: Even 10–15 minutes of yoga, stretching, or bodyweight exercises can keep you moving.
• Dance It Out: Put them Xmas bangers on and dance for a fun way to burn calories – December is the only month you can get away with it!

6. Mindful Eating and Drinking

How to Practice Mindful Eating:

• Pause Before Eating: Ask yourself if you’re truly hungry or eating out of habit.
• Savour Each Bite: Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food to increase satisfaction.
• Limit Distractions: Sit down to eat and avoid multitasking to stay present with your meal.

7. Give Yourself Grace

How to Bounce Back:

• Refocus Quickly: Start fresh the next day with a balanced meal, head to the Recipe Blog if you need a little inspiration.
• Avoid Guilt: One indulgent meal won’t undo your progress.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every healthy choice counts—acknowledge them!

Stay Strong!

Surviving the holiday season doesn’t mean sacrificing your health. With mindful choices, planning, and (obviously) some GSN in your freezer… You can enjoy December without derailing the hard work you’ve put in over the rest of the year!

Also, The Festive Wrap is back, find it here. 🎄