Festive Feasting: Balancing Joy and Health
As the festive season rolls in, we're wrapped in the excitement and joy that Christmas brings. It's a time for family, love, celebration, and yes, plenty of delicious food! But if you're mindful about your health and wellness, this season can also pose some unique challenges. Here are a few key tips on how you can strike a perfect balance between indulging and staying healthy.
Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits
Before we dive into the do's and don'ts of holiday eating, remember keeping things balanced is key. We all face lots of tempting foods at Christmas different from our everyday meals. Try to stick to your usual eating habits as much as you can. Pick good proteins like turkey and seafood, and load up on fresh salads and tasty seasonal fruits like mango and pomegranate. This way, you can enjoy the great food around the Christmas table without the guilt or worry about extra kilos.
And hey, if temptation wins and you overdo it a bit, having a tub of Flatter Me on hand can help sort out any bloating and keep you feeling comfy
Do's and Don'ts for a Healthy Christmas
1. Plan Ahead
Eat a light meal or snack before attending holiday events to avoid overeating. Having a light, balanced meal or snack can curb your appetite and prevent overindulgence.
2. Don't Skip Meals
Trying to save your appetite or skipping meals to "save calories" for a big holiday feast is a common mistake. It can lead to overeating, poor choices, and discomfort like bloating and inactivity from sitting on the couch until the pain dissipates.
3. Portion Control
Start with small portions. Focus on proteins and veggies, and then decide if you really have room for that slice of cake.
4. Hydration is Key
Drink plenty of water, which helps control hunger and aids digestion. Stick to the 1:1 rule for water and alcoholic beverages.
5. Savor Each Bite
Eating slowly and mindfully enhances satisfaction and helps with portion control.
6. Moderate Alcohol
Enjoy your festive drinks but remember that too much alcohol can lead to poor eating decisions.
Staying Hydrated and Merry
Good hydration is crucial, especially if you're enjoying alcoholic beverages (or should we say, holiday spirits - ha ha). Drinking enough water throughout the day can help you distinguish between true hunger and thirst, preventing unnecessary snacking. The 1:1 rule (a glass of water for every alcoholic drink) is an excellent way to keep hydrated and merry!
Balancing Nutrition and Pleasure
While nutrition is essential, it's important not to take the joy out of the holiday season by overly restricting yourself - it's all about balance. Enjoy your favorite treats in moderation, while celebrating with those who matter most to you. Remember, it's the overall pattern of your eating habits that matters most, not one single meal or day.
Conquering the Christmas Feast
Speaking of overindulging, I remember one Christmas when I decided to try every dessert at a family gathering. Let's just say, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, and I ended up feeling like a stuffed turkey! It was a lesson learned, and now I approach holiday sweets with a little more restraint and a lot more enjoyment. This experience reminds us that while it's tempting to sample everything in sight, moderation is key to enjoying our festive favourites without the after-effects.
Summary
With a little planning you can have your Christmas and eat your way through it too. Remember to:
- Plan your meals and snacks to avoid overeating.
- Don't skip meals or try to save calories for one big feast.
- Practice portion control and savour each bite.
- Stay hydrated to avoid unnecessary snacking.
- Enjoy alcohol in moderation.
- Balance nutrition with the joy of the season.
Wrapping It Up
We want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for this Christmas. May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and wellness. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll navigate the festive season like a health pro!
From all of us at Nature's Help, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We appreciate each and every one of you. See you next year!
Written by Mona Hecke
Mona Hecke is a degree qualified Naturopath, nutrition specialist and health and wellness writer.
With over 20 years in the health industry, beginning with a focus on children and families, and a bestselling book ‘The Lunchbox Revolution’, Mona is now empowering women through education and conversation to take action and embrace change. Gut health, mindfulness, nutrition, hormones, and menopause are the topics that women want and need to know to create their healthy future.
Mona holds certifications in Lifestyle Coaching, Kinesiology, holistic herbal medicine, and nutrition.
A recognised leader in the health industry, Mona’s strong social media presence and passion for influencing change will continue to be a catalyst for health reform for the benefit of every Australian.
