With Christmas comes a load of tasty treats, but there are simple things you can do to help stay on track with your health goals. From staying hydrated to getting proper sleep, these tips can help you enjoy the festive season without derailing your progress.
Christmas brings a sleigh-load of scrumptious indulgences that are hard to resist, but with a few clever strategies, you can keep your health goals on track for the New Year.
When it comes to maintaining your fitness regime, straying too far from your objectives could mean kicking off 2026 back at the starting line. But fear not, with these savvy tips, you can still enjoy all the turkey and choccies your heart desires over the festive period without derailing your progress.
Don’t guzzle down your calories
With a banquet of mouth-watering dishes on the Christmas table, it’s best to reserve your calorie quota for them rather than squandering it on booze or fizzy drinks. Choose your vice wisely – if it’s a sugary delight you’re after, opt for this over yuletide beverages like eggnog, which can pack in up to 500 calories.
Alcohol is often the sneaky culprit behind those unnoticed extra calories until your workout performance starts to dwindle. It can also hamper muscle growth and disrupt your body’s insulin regulation, reports the Express.
Steer clear of second helpings unless they’re veggies
The festive season is synonymous with heaping plates, but when it’s time for round two, ensure you’re not reaching for the high-fat options. Sometimes, our hunger pangs are just excitement in disguise, so it’s crucial to keep these impulses in check.
If you’re piling on more to your plate, aim for additional veggies or lean meats rather than succumbing to the allure of stodgy comfort foods. Overindulgence is inevitable during this festive period, but it’s worth being conscious of where you can make some sensible reductions.
Kick off with a Christmas fast
Certain studies propose that merging time-restricted eating with a low-carb diet could enhance insulin sensitivity, steering you towards a healthier path. Not only that, but for some, it might facilitate greater fat loss. By fasting at the start of your day, you can reserve those extra calories for the grand celebration.
Whip up a nutritious dish
Set the culinary mood for your gathering. Who’s to say the holiday banquet can’t feature some healthful options? It’s a doddle to rustle up a veggie side; from sweet potatoes to Brussels sprouts, there’s an abundance of ways to keep it seasonal and scrumptious. Stir up anticipation among your dinner guests or family members by introducing something novel to the menu. Tweaking your regular meals to be slightly healthier can make a significant difference in the long haul.
Ditch the drink measurements
The wellness guru at Elite FTS advises against calorie counting at Christmas do’s, suggesting that if you feel compelled to do this to maintain control during this period, you might need to address deeper issues related to your dietary habits. Instead, aim to consciously strike a healthy balance between foods that are clearly nutritious and those you simply adore. If you feel overly deprived, you’ll only be more inclined to indulge in a massive unhealthy food spree when the new year dawns.
Plan for travel
Travel is likely to feature in your Christmas plans in some form or another, and if you’re traversing the city, the temptation to grab fast food or junk food can be strong. If this is part of your yuletide itinerary, try to plan ahead and pack a selection of wholesome snacks for the journey – scrutinise what’s in these quick-fix meals; just because it’s labelled as ‘organic’ doesn’t necessarily mean it will deliver exactly what your body needs.
Stay hydrated
Sometimes, what you perceive as hunger might actually be dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake. The health guru suggests drinking an amount of water equivalent to your body weight in ounces on the day of the big festive event you’re preparing for; this way you’ll observe its impact on your food cravings and keep them in check. Moreover, staying well-hydrated aids digestion and absorption of the food you consume, so the more you sip, the better you’ll process your meals. Tea or sparkling water offers a healthier alternative to plain water, even with added electrolyte powder.
Start moving early
During the festive season, we’re often caught up in a whirlwind of cooking, cleaning, shopping, and creating memories, so our health can sometimes take a back seat. Hence, getting moving as early as possible, even before the day starts, ensures you get that crucial exercise done. Commit to spending 30 minutes each morning moving your body, and you’ll soon start to feel the benefits. Plus, your body will be better prepared for the rest of the day, regardless of what you’re munching on.
Practise daily affirmations
This might seem like an unusual tip from the health guru, but your mind can reflect in your body, and expressing gratitude towards your body and yourself can enhance your overall wellbeing. Starting your day with the right mindset can make all the difference and fuel your motivation to achieve your goals.
Get more sleep
It might sound strange, but it’s essential to give your body the rest and recovery time it needs between large meals and hectic days. Adequate sleep is a game-changer, and lack of it can lower your hormone levels, decrease insulin sensitivity and significantly affect your body’s ability to manage stress – seven to nine hours is the recommended amount.
