Prioritise Balanced Meals

• Tip: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to set a positive tone and keep your energy steady throughout the day. If breakfast happens to be the festive meal of the day, you can still find balance by including protein and fibre-rich options alongside your favourite holiday treats.
• Example: Try a high-protein breakfast like Greek yoghurt with oats, berries and nuts or eggs with whole-grain toast and veggies. These choices not only keep you satisfied but also help reduce mid-morning sugar cravings.
• Quick Insight: Balanced meals aren’t about saying no to festive foods, they’re about adding nourishing options to support your energy and well-being while enjoying the season.

Be Mindful of Your Portions

• Tip: At holiday meals, fill half your plate with veggies or fresh salads, a quarter with lean protein and the remaining quarter with your favourite holiday sides. This balanced approach allows you to enjoy all the festive flavours without feeling overly full or sluggish.
• Mindful Eating: Slow down and truly enjoy the textures, flavours and aromas. Mindful eating helps you feel more satisfied, even with smaller portions, so you can celebrate without overdoing it.

Stay Hydrated and Enjoy Festive Drinks

• Tip: Drinking water throughout the day helps you stay hydrated and energised, especially if you’re enjoying festive drinks. Staying hydrated can also reduce sluggishness the following day.
• Try This: Alternate between water and your holiday beverages to maintain balance. Fresh fruit mocktails are another great option, they’re festive, delicious, and alcohol-free! And who is going to know?
• Bonus: Add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or berries to your water to give it a refreshing, festive twist.

Practise Moderation, Not Restriction

• Tip: The holidays are all about enjoyment, and that includes food! Practise moderation by listening to your body and savouring the flavours you love, without feeling the need to overdo it. This isn’t about denying yourself but finding a balance that feels good.
• Try This: Include a small portion of your favourite festive foods on your plate, whether it’s a treat, a side dish or something indulgent. It’s about enjoying everything in balance, not avoiding anything.
• Why It Works: This is one of my favourite lessons to share with clients and I love seeing the lightbulb moment when they realise it’s not about restriction. If you do happen to overindulge, don’t stress or feel guilty, just refocus and get back to your regular eating habits at your next meal. Enjoyment and balance can go hand in hand, even during the holidays!

Keep Moving in a Way That Feels Good

• Tip: Fit in a light movement where you can, whether it’s a morning walk, a quick stretch or even a holiday dance party! Moving your body doesn’t have to be formal or structured; it’s about finding moments to stay active during the festive season.
• Ideas: Walking after meals can aid digestion and gentle exercise like yoga or stretching can help manage holiday stress.
• Remember: This isn’t about “burning off” holiday food. It’s about staying active in ways that bring you joy and help you feel good, both physically and mentally.