How to Eat Well at Christmas (without the weight gain)
Oh, the holy grail! How to get through Christmas without a 5kg weight gain! It’s a lot easier than you think and it doesn’t involve fasting or abstaining or sitting at home like a Grinch.
I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas. Time off, the world stops for those few days, kids are (mostly) happy, shopping is done, cupboards are stacked with food and friends and family are gathering. What I don’t love is January when I realise my favourite clothes don’t fit or are feeling decidedly tight and I start making ridiculous resolutions in a panic.
I have been baking all kinds of Christmas treats with the kids for over 20yrs. These traditions run deep- so deep that sometimes I forget why we started them in the beginning. The drive to make them or have them in the house and eat them is so strong that to go without seems like Christmas isn’t quite complete.
Over the years I have realised that there are things I can do to continue the traditions but also still have a fully fitting wardrobe by January. A bit of food strategy, a bit of mindset shift… and suddenly it’s easy.
Here are 5 easy things to do to keep your Christmas festive, fun and without the extra padding!
1. Food comes second to people
Christmas is about the people… not the grazing table.! At each event question why you are there. It’s rarely ever the food! You’re there for the connection, the laughs, the chaos of kids, the love.
You’re allowed to say no to the supermarket mince pies or that mysterious casserole Great Aunt Janet brings every year. Most Christmas foods are available all year anyway. You’re not missing out. Promise.
2. Think before you eat
Sounds like a no brainer but Christmas is the time of mindless eating! Do we really need that 4th Lindt ball or another handful of honey coated nuts or even more cheese and crackers? I am definitely NOT saying don’t enjoy the food but do it mindfully. Eat the things you really want and look forward to. Skip the foods that you can get all the time or just don’t do it for you. Fully enjoy what you chose to eat so you feel satiated. It is definitely more about quality than quantity.
3. Balance still applies
You can absolutely eat well and indulge at the same time. Even Christmas buffets usually have greens, fruit, and veg that balance out the creamy potatoes and coleslaw. Ham, turkey, and seafood? Great protein choices.
If you’ve got back-to-back events, plan ahead.
Pick the ones where the food will genuinely be worth it and enjoy those meals fully.
For the “meh” events? Maybe eat beforehand so you’re not starving.
At home, keep meals light and clean. Give your body — especially your liver — a breather.
4. Ditch the food guilt
Guilt drives overeating. Every. Single. Time.
And honestly? It’s pointless.
Overindulged? Whoops. Welcome to the club.
Shake it off and simply make the next meal better.
No penance. No punishment. Just honesty and kindness.
5. Minimise alcohol
I saved this for last because I knew I’d lose a few of you! Not only does it lower our inhibitions with regards to food but it causes a blood sugar crash, causing us to crave those high energy foods we are trying to steer clear of. And it keeps the liver super busy so it shunts excess fat off to the abdomen.
Without sounding like a broken record, swap out some of those alcoholic drinks for water or kombucha.
So eat, drink and be merry! You’ve absolutely got this!