December is the season for eating allll the food – there’s no two ways about it. Christmas Day alone with all the Turkey, gravy, potatoes, pigs in blankets, cake, mince pies…. I could go on!
It’s just a given that we prepare for a December living in a food coma, but sadly for some that can come with the guilt or anxiety about the food we are consuming.
While December is a feast-focused holiday, it’s not doubt the entire month is an endless parade of indulgences, sweet foods, treats and carbs that will leave you feeling a little worried about weight gain, and even feeling sluggish for days after over-indulging. ,
As someone who enjoys food, I can easily say that there is absolutely no reason to worry about what you eat through December. But that’s easier for me to say, when some people struggle with eating.
Remember that he occasional ‘bad meal’ won’t affect you in the long-run, but worrying about it and stressing will affect you. The more we relate food to anxiety and use labels around our meals like ‘bad meals’ and ‘good meals’, the more it can leave damaging messages in our minds. There is so much fear-mongering around the Christmas period, we really don’t need the extra stress. It’s a time for being festive and happy, and letting go of any inhibitions. Our bodies are smart, and the occasional over eating, naughty foods consumed and indulging won’t wreck havoc on how good some of you may have been this year with food.
However, if you do battle with the thought of over-indulging and want to try and justify the ‘silly season’ a little, read on…
1.Re-asses what “healthy diet” means and how to follow it
Everyone see’s a healthy diet as a different thing because we all have different ways of looking at food. Some assume vegetables, fruit and protein heavy diets with little carbs and sugar is the way forward. Some people follow the Keto diet, and others see Veganism as healthy. A healthy diet looks different to every single person; just remember it is what honours you and your body.
The traditional ‘healthy diet’ should be mixed, where there isn’t too much deprivation. It’s good to be wary of sugar consumption, but to deplete something totally from your diet for fear of weight gain can become dangerous. Try to see a healthy diet as something that is mixed, features all the nutrients and vitamins you need, but with the occasional enjoyment eating.
2.Let yourself go on Christmas Day
You might be someone who makes cauliflower pizza bases, or homemade bread so you can control the amounts and ingredients. But on Christmas Day, try not to go with your amendments, and let the classic foods roll! Roast potatoes, herby mash, rich brandy cream and thick crust mince pies – it;s one day to enjoy these Christmas traditions, and on Boxing Day, you can revert back to your style of eating if you wish.
Of course, you can control your portions if you are worried. You can also opt for plant based versions of some foods if that makes you feel better – after all you have to eat to make yourself happy. But if it’s weight gain you’re stressing about, try to remember it’s one day when you can just enjoy all the festive foods that are super enjoyable on this special day.
3.Know that nutrition is more than just your Christmas meals
Try to distance yourself from the feeling that one meal (or a few Christmas treat meals) will drastically affect your body long-term. This isn’t exactly what will happen, and it’s more of a mindset issue. Remember that nutrition goes beyond the calories on the Christmas Day plate. It’s about supplements you take, exercise, socialising and getting fresh air. Winding down, slowing down, enjoying your own time.
Nutrition isn’t just the cheese board you demolished. It’s the accounts you follow on Instagram, the people you speak to daily, and the TV shows you watch. Make sure everything is aligned to you, and you’re following a healthy lifestyle all round as much as you can. Food is just small piece of the puzzle, and at Christmas, it’s OK to go off route a little.
4.Add in additional nutrients if you need to feel better
Maybe you’re worried about what you eat over the Christmas period because you feel sluggish for days after, and it will effect the days that follow. Perhaps ‘naughtier’ food make you sleepy and drained, which is totally fair enough – you can do things that can improve this. Show your body love by treating it with the best care before and after Christmas Day.
This could be ensuring 8 glasses of water are consumed everyday up until Christmas. You could ensure you eat leafy greens on Boxing Day, or avoid alcohol on Christmas Eve. Perhaps offer to do the cooking on Christmas Eve, and buy fish and seafood online at Seafresh in advance so that the Christmas Eve feast is a fresh, healthy one!
5.Take good care of yourself and your mind
Remember that Christmas can be challenging if you’re struggling with maintaining your weight, so it’s worth spending extra time looking after your mind. Give yourself self-love. Don’t beat yourself up. Be cautious about anything that may trigger you.
Make sure you get lots of sleep the night before Christmas Day, and have a good think about how you’ll get through the indulging season yet keep a happy mind. Take baths, wear plush pjs, go for walks, and talk to friends and family. Prioritise yourself, after all, it’s all about looking after yourself.
Diet culture can be so ingrained in us that it’s sometimes hard to ignore, and of course, we all want to treat our bodies well. But remember that Christmas is a time to enjoy life and your loved ones. You work hard all year – don’t be harsh on yourself this particular month.
