With December here, it’s the perfect time to focus on finding balance during the festive season – a topic that often comes up in my one-to-one client work. The holidays can be both fun and demanding, leaving many of us juggling busy schedules, social obligations, and the desire to maintain our health.
Throughout the month, I’ll share practical strategies to help you nurture your mental, physical, and emotional health amidst the buzz and pressures of the season. From mindful eating to managing social overload and reducing stress, the goal is to help you embrace the festivities while staying grounded.
To kick things off, let’s focus on food. The abundance of seasonal treats can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, but indulging doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health or wellbeing. With a mindful approach, you can enjoy all the festive food and drink without overindulging to the point where you feel uncomfortable or guilty.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
- Eat breakfast and make it protein-rich
A protein-rich breakfast is key to stabilising your blood sugar throughout the day, making you less likely to crave sugar and helping you avoid energy and mood highs and lows. A classic choice is scrambled eggs with smoked salmon – you could even add a little cream to your eggs for an extra special treat! - Prioritise nutrient-dense foods
For every indulgent treat, aim to include some nourishing options like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and proteins in your meals. This ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay energised and stable. Plus, if you tend to judge your food choices as “healthy” or “unhealthy,” balancing indulgence with nutrient-rich options can help you feel more positive about your overall eating habits. - Move your body
A gentle walk or some light stretching after meals can aid digestion, stabilise blood sugar, and help you avoid that sluggish feeling that often follows a big festive feast. Regular movement also makes it easier to maintain your energy and mood throughout the busy holiday season.
Savour Foods Without Overindulging
- Set intentions, not restrictions
Rather than creating rigid rules or depriving yourself of holiday favourites, set positive intentions for how you want to enjoy them. For instance, focus on savouring each bite of your favourite dish or treat rather than rushing through it. This approach not only enhances your enjoyment but also reduces the likelihood of overeating. This leads me to my next point… - Slow down and be present
One of the simplest ways to avoid overindulgence is to eat slowly and truly appreciate the flavours, textures, and aromas of your food. Chew each bite thoroughly and consider putting your fork down between bites to give yourself a moment to tune into your body’s hunger and fullness signals. When you do this, not only are you likely to eat less, but you’ll also find you enjoy your food even more. - Portion control with purpose
At holiday parties, it’s easy to overfill your plate or keep going back for seconds. Before you dig in, think about which foods you’re most excited to enjoy and take small portions of those. This lets you try a variety of treats without feeling overly full or uncomfortable. Remember, your body takes time to register fullness – so giving yourself a moment can prevent overindulgence.
Putting Holiday Indulgence into Perspective
- One season doesn’t define your health
Gaining a pound or two over the holidays isn’t unusual, and it won’t drastically affect your health in the long run. Your body is incredibly resilient, and with a return to your usual habits in January, any changes will naturally balance out. - The value of a reset
For some people, starting the New Year with a simple, healthy eating plan feels like a great way to give their body a break after the festive period. Whether it’s ‘dry January’, prioritising fresh, whole foods or taking a mindful approach to eating, this reset can help you feel refreshed and ready to start the year on the right foot. - Exploring a gentle detox
For those interested in detoxing, focus on nourishing your body rather than depriving it. A good detox includes reducing processed and inflammatory foods, cutting out alcohol, and hydrating well while supporting your body with nutrient-rich meals. This approach can help you feel lighter and give your digestion a well-deserved break.
If you’re curious about detoxing and want to give your body a break after Christmas, my Reset Detox Programme might be just what you need. Designed to restore your body’s natural detoxification abilities, it can help you feel lighter, healthier, and more energised. Many clients find that long-standing symptoms clear up, they shed a few pounds, and their overall sense of wellbeing improves.
The programme equips you with simple, nourishing habits to support your health over the long-term. And, once completed, you’ll have the tools to repeat it annually or quarterly – like an MOT for your body!
I have a limited number of one-to-one spaces available in the New Year, so if this sounds like something you’d like to do, or if you have any questions, get in touch.
Next week, we’ll explore managing holiday social overload and carving out time for yourself – a challenge many of my clients with busy work schedules, large families, or young children often face!
Kate x
