🎄🎅✨ How to Avoid Christmas Weight Gain (Without Missing the Fun!) 🎁🍗🍷

Ah, Christmas! A season of joy, laughter, and let’s be honest... lots of food and drinks. If you're excited about the festivities but don’t want to greet January with extra kilos, you’re in the right place. The good news? You can enjoy all the holiday goodness and stay on track with these simple tips:

🧠 Mindset Shift: This Isn’t Your Last Meal

First things first, let’s get one thing straight—Christmas dinner isn’t your last meal ever. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll never see this food again, better pile it on!” But trust me, there’s no need to eat everything in sight. You can enjoy your favourites without overindulging.

Approach the meal with a mindset of abundance, not scarcity. Remind yourself that you can have leftovers, or even recreate these treats after the holidays if you really want them.

🥦 Start with Protein and Veggies

When sitting down to your Christmas meal, prioritise protein. Load up on turkey, ham, or a plant-based protein to help you feel full and stabilise your blood sugar levels. Pair it with plenty of green veggies like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Limit the higher-carb veggies like roast potatoes or parsnips. You can still enjoy them, but keep them in moderation and let the protein and greens take centre stage on your plate.

🥑 Snack Smarter

Holiday nibbles can quickly add up, so make your snacks work for you. If you’re grazing before the main meal, include some crunchy veggie sticks with dips like tzatziki, beetroot, or smashed avocado. They’re delicious, satisfying, and won’t weigh you down like heavy chips and creamy dips.

🥂 Sip Smarter

Alcohol is often a big culprit when it comes to sneaky holiday calories. To enjoy a drink or two without overdoing it:

• Opt for spirits with soda water and a squeeze of lime instead of sugary mixers.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or sparkling water to stay hydrated and reduce overall intake.
• Try setting a limit—like one or two drinks—and savour them slowly.

Remember, alcohol lowers inhibitions, so sipping mindfully can help you stick to your food goals too.

🍽 Be Portion-Savvy

Christmas isn’t about deprivation, but it doesn’t have to be an all-you-can-eat marathon either. Serve yourself smaller portions to start, and give yourself time to enjoy each bite. You’ll often find you’re satisfied without needing to go back for seconds (or thirds!).

🎁 Bonus Tips

1. Stay Active: Fit in a quick morning walk, a yoga session, or even some playtime with the kids to balance out the extra calories.
2. Hydrate: Keep sipping water throughout the day—sometimes thirst can masquerade as hunger.
3. Mindfully Indulge: Love a slice of Christmas pudding or a glass of eggnog? Enjoy it, but savour every bite or sip without overindulging.

This Christmas, let your mindset be your secret weapon. Celebrate, enjoy, and remember that balance is key. The food isn’t going anywhere—and neither are your goals! By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll enjoy the season and feel amazing when January rolls around.

💖 Lisa xox