A Dietitian's Guide to a Happy Healthy Holiday Season
The festive season is a time of celebration with our loved ones, often over a seemingly endless supply of indulgent delights. Rather than going either “all-out” on the Christmas pavlova or depriving yourself of the enjoyment, take a more balanced approach to the holidays this year with our top 5 tips.
1. Keep a regular eating schedule
Whilst it may be tempting to skip a meal in the lead up to a social gathering over lunch or dinner, you will likely find yourself arriving ravenous and overeating past satisfaction. Instead, maintain regular nutritious meals and snacks across the day. Prioritising a good source of protein with fibre will keep your hunger in check. Start with a breakfast such as yoghurt with fruit and muesli, baked beans on grainy toast or our High Protein Frittata. For snacks, opt for a small handful of nuts, cheese and grainy crackers, roasted chickpeas or chopped veggies with hummus or tzatziki.
2. Practise mindful eating
Practising mindful eating with your favourite festive foods will help you enjoy your food without going overboard. A great place to start is by checking in with your hunger and fullness before, halfway and after your meal. This helps you slow down and gives your brain the chance to register satisfaction and fullness. Try removing distractions, sitting down with your plate and fully engaging with the tastes, textures, appearance and aromas of your food.
3. Drink wisely
There is nothing wrong with a glass or two of wine on Christmas Day, however multiple drinks over multiple events across the holidays can quickly add up! Try experimenting with a few non-alcoholic low sugar alternatives to alternate your drinks with. For example, make soda water fancy with extra fresh lime, lemon, frozen fruit, herbs, a dash of no-sugar cordial or a cold-infusion tea bag. Have extra time up your sleeve? Have a go at one of our tasty Merry Mocktails.
4. Move your body
Exercise carries a host of benefits from improved mood and stress management, to better sleep and heart health. Over the holidays, make movement an enjoyable part of your routine and social gatherings. Why not schedule a walking coffee date with a friend, a scenic coastal walk with a podcast or sign up for a completely different class like boxing or rock climbing.
5. Prioritise your Sleep
As your calendar fills up with festive activities, it is important to not forget about sleep. Getting enough sleep over the silly season has a ripple effect across all other areas of your life including your mood, energy levels, appetite and so much more. Keep a regular sleep and wake routine during the holiday season as much as possible and aim for the recommended 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night!