How to survive the festive season!
I love Christmas! Putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house, getting all the presents ready, festive films, ice skating, panto, doing my Christmas puzzles with a glass of mulled wine …… I really could go on and on! However, for those of us trying to manage our weight, eat a nutritious diet, avoid food sensitivities or processed food, it can also be a time that causes a lot of worry, guilt or a sense of a lack of control. That’s why I’ve pulled together my survival guide to help you get to the new year as jolly as Santa on his sleigh!
1. Don’t go too early - pace yourself!
The tubs of chocolates are in the shops in September so it’s so hard not to false start Christmas especially once fireworks night is out the way. Pick a core time period when you will loosen the reins of your normal diet or if you are managing your weight when you won’t stick to your programme. When I was in a weight loss phase a few years ago I had 3 days (Christmas Eve to Boxing day) where I didn’t track and now I normally choose a week. It makes me feel in control and I enjoy food on those days guilt free and have what I want. It doesn’t mean xmas food is off the menu up until that point but it should still be part of your usual routine and balanced diet.
2. Don’t have a
‘fuck it’ moment.
This is the biggest hurdle for many and links to the first point. There are so many social events largely centred around food that once it starts at the beginning of December it’s easy to think ‘fuck it’ and not just relax your diet but go completely rogue - eating lots of processed, high calorie foods or foods you normally avoid that can aggravate your symptoms. This puts an added load on your body to process, can lead to you feeling like crap by the time the big day actually arrives and can be more difficult to come out of in the new year. Enjoy events in the run up but other days stick to your normal healthy eating routine and aim for this to be around 80% of the time.
3. Don’t be afraid to be awkward.
I avoid certain foods due to sensitivities and it can feel like a burden when going to other people’s houses or social events. In the past I have sometimes not gone to things, not eaten there or had what everyone else was having and ended up feeling ill. Now I’m not afraid to take my individual dairy free christmas pudding, custard and chocolates around to my family’s or talk to a restaurant about what could work as an alternative option for me. You deserve to enjoy yourself too so don’t compromise! Sometimes it’s easier if you take the initiative too as it takes the pressure off the host and you can bring a plate that works for you and others can try too!
4. Prioritise the treats you really want!
I have been a victim of this many times before! I’ve picked up bits on the run up to Christmas of all the things I like and then ended up with a mountain of treats that it is not even humanly possible to consume in a week or two. So consciously pick a few things which are your real favourites, get those and stop. The main shops only close for 1 day and the express stores even open on the big day itself so you can always go and get something extra if you really fancy it.
5. Don’t over buy.
When you are entertaining there is a fear that ‘we won’t have enough’ or ‘I won’t have the exact item to make my guests' day special’. The easiest thing to do is ask them! Instead of getting 5 different types of chocolates or biscuits to hedge your bets on what they like, ask them what their favourite is and get those! I did this last year with soft drinks for my parents - before I would get say 8 options of different flavours and styles but instead I got 3 they loved! Your guests get their favourites, it saves you money and you don’t have loads left. Also do the maths! For 6 people do you need 5 deserts that feed 10 people?
6. Think smart!
When trying to manage your weight or avoid processed food Christmas can be a nightmare and it can feel like you are missing out. However, if you think smart you can enjoy too without feeling like you are having to compromise. For example with hot chocolate switch to a different mug - half the size and fancier so it feels more like a treat but is a smaller portion. The supermarkets do mini versions of mince pies and stollen bites which are over half the calories of the standard versions. Add Christmas flavours to your normal food to feel festive and help avoid processed foods - check out my recipes for ‘Winter spiced breakfast pot’ and ‘Christmas flapjack’ if you need some inspiration!
7. Make your own.
This is a strategy I employ throughout the year but can also work well at Christmas. I don’t buy lots of treats like biscuits and cakes - if you want it, you have to make it! This means there is a lot less as it takes time to make, you get treats which taste better than the shop equivalents, there are no nasty additives and you can adapt to suit your tastes or dietary requirements. You don’t have to go full throttle the first time around but maybe start with making mince pies or christmas cookies instead of buying them.
8. Make it work for you!
When you avoid foods you are sensitive to, processed foods or are trying to manage your weight some of your old Christmas traditions will not work for you anymore. It can be a grieving process for you and the whole family to let them go but the key is to bring in new ones! Christmas Eve is no longer a Dominoes and beer affair but meal prepped (in November) no fuss pulled pork tacos and Nosecco. The Lindt balls get replaced with your homemade chocolate truffles. The chocolate calendar becomes a pamper one. You ask relatives not to buy food as presents for you. You find time restricted eating (i.e. 16-8) helps you balance December. We are all individuals and need to do what works for us, don’t be afraid to mix things up and create new Christmas memories.
9. Get crafty.
A fab way to get in the Christmas spirit that doesn’t involve food is to do some craft activities! Plus it keeps your fingers busy and out of the choccie tub in the evening which is prime snacking time. You can do them yourself or get the whole family involved. One year we had an amazing time making these Christmas crackers together - writing the jokes and filling them. Plus, if you have food sensitivities you can fill them with treats you know are ok for you. Try making paper chains as repetitive activities like this can be really relaxing and have a calming meditative effect. My personal project at the moment is a Christmas cross stitch. Get creative and go for it - I'd love to see what you come up with!
10. Have fun!
One of the biggest challenges I see in my clinic is stress so remember to enjoy yourself! The key to a healthy lifestyle is consistency not perfection so it’s okay to have more treats than usual. Just remember to make Christmas right for you - if you need to start new traditions do it and don’t feel pressure from others that Christmas needs to be a certain way. Be kind to yourself - Christmas is the season of goodwill so treat yourself to some of that love too!