A Healthy Approach To Christmas

As Christmas is literally around the corner we thought there was no better time to discuss how to have a healthy approach towards Christmas. By now you may well have enjoyed much of the festivities and you may even be longing for January where you can ‘start a fresh’, however, this needn’t be the case. As a result, we’re discussing what having a healthy approach to Christmas really means and how you can adopt it.

A healthy Christmas isn’t just about what you’re eating, it’s also about your attitude towards your social and psychological wellbeing too. If you’ve read many of the articles on The Transformation Chef, you’ll know by now that health requires a 360˚ approach. This means that if your concerns over your weight or your training are causing you to avoid certain social engagements or enjoying the festive period then you may wish to check in with yourself as this can start to negatively impact your social and psychological wellbeing.

Whilst Christmas is about festivities which we should all enjoy it needn’t be approached differently to your normal life. For example, hopefully you know at The Transformation Chef we’re big advocates for the 80/20 lifestyle. Focus on your health and making healthy food choices 80% of the time but equally enjoying the slice of cake, bar of chocolate or mince pie 20% of the time. If you can take this mindset into December and the Christmas period then you’re far more likely to have a healthy non-restrictive approach to Christmas.

When it comes to Christmas day there can often be a lot of pressure from loved ones or friends to eat in a certain way. If in the run up to Christmas no foods are off limits you’re far less likely to feel as though you have to go all out on Christmas day and you’ll be far more at peace with the foods around you as well. When you’re building your Christmas plate try to load up on the veggies first, then the turkey (or whatever meat you have), nut roast or other plant alternative. Of course, no Christmas dinner is complete without gravy and all the trimmings. By all means, add these to your plate just be aware of portion sizes. You really don’t have to eat until your stuffed. If you know you’ll have leftovers the next day you may be more inclined to leave some so you can enjoy it twice rather than try to eat everything all at once.

When dessert comes, again enjoy the dessert and or a few drinks but there’s no need to go overboard. On the topic of alcohol you may love a glass of mulled wine or Christmas bubbles, yet equally if you’re not so keen on the alcohol then there should be no need to drink it. Whilst you don’t have to justify your choices you may feel more comfortable explaining that alcohol doesn’t sit well with you and so you’re going to pass.

Finally, remember you’ll be far more at peace with the inner conflict of Christmas if you’re more laid back and relaxed in the lead up to it. No matter what anyone tells you, you don’t have to ‘burn off’ your Christmas dinner.