Christmas Food is Just Food

2 min read

5 tips to enjoy the festive period with no mention of guilt.

Let’s be honest, December is the month we should look forward to but for some, it’s enough to strike fear into them.

As if it’s not hard enough anytime, Christmas and food kind of go hand in hand.

In fact, some studies show the period of the year where most individuals gain weight is from November into January.

Whilst some weight gain might be inevitable it doesn’t mean we can’t apply a few simple practices to enjoy the festive season.

So come January we’re not feeling bloated, sluggish, fed up and guilty because we let our hair down a little. Crying into our restrictive detoxes and shake diets.

And now you’re looking for any glimmer of hope packaged up in restrictive fad diets and unsustainable choices.

It doesn’t need to be like this.

If there was far less fear-mongering about weight gain at Christmas from the diet industry and many more open conversations about how unhealthy it is to be feeling anxious about food at a time that is supposed to be happy, we would be in a far better position.

Here are five super simple tips for enjoying everything about Christmas with zero mention of guilt.

1) Be realistic.

If you think you’ll be able to navigate the social minefield with minimal disruption. Whilst trying to borrow calories, employing tactics like fasting, all which is enough to feel exhausted thinking about it.

Instead, rather than opting for fat loss why not aim to maintain. This way it’s less stressful and you can be present.

2) Ask yourself why

Will gaining a few pounds make the blind bit of difference to anyone who you value? Will it have a direct correlation to how you live your life? Your scale weight is the least interesting thing about you.

What will happen is you’ll have relaxed and enjoyed some lovely food whilst making memories with people you love.

3) You have a choice

We’re fortunate that each day we have a choice to eat more fruit and vegetables, access to lean protein, fresh water and we can take part in some exercise. Add to this a decent night sleep and you’re laughing.

Christmas Day is no different.

4) Keep an eye on your diary

We’ve all been guilty of this at times. Suddenly our social events start creeping from the weekend into the week, in a bid to cram in as much as possible. All impacting our sleep schedule which reduces the appetite-controlling hormone leptin.

5) Exercising MORE isn’t the key

As we approach 2022 I hope we move away from the thinking of exercising for fat loss and instead exercise for its other mood-boosting benefits.

The risk is the thinking you deserve another wedge of Christmas cake (500+ Calories) because you’ve been for a 20 minute cycle (150 Calories) on the new Peloton.

Overall look at Christmas with some perspective. In the same way dieting is a choice. Rather than focusing on what you 'can’t' have, focus on your goals. Remind yourself of the real reasons we celebrate this time of year. To make memories not obsess over Macros.