12 Nutrition Tools to Help You Thrive During the Festive Season

Guest post from Nutritionist and Hormone Expert Sarah Gale

December often feels like a wipeout when it comes to making progress with our nutrition and health goals. With the abundance of festive foods, parties, and drinks, it’s easy to feel like all your hard work throughout the year has been undone. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be perfect or 100% consistent to see and feel your best. The magic lies in maintaining small, sustainable habits that keep you grounded, even during the festive season.

Here are 12 nutrition tools to help you not just survive but thrive during the festive season.

 

 

1.  Don’t Skip Meals or Save Calories.

One of the biggest mistakes people make during the festive season is skipping meals or "saving" calories for a big meal later. This strategy often backfires, leading to overeating and making unhealthy choices due to intense hunger. Instead, aim to eat balanced meals throughout the day. This helps keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevents the kind of extreme hunger that leads to overeating.

 

2.  Eat Something Protein-Rich Before Drinks or a Late Evening Meal.

If you know you’re heading to a party or a late dinner, eating a protein-rich snack beforehand can be a game-changer. Protein helps slow down the absorption of alcohol and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to overindulge in festive treats. Think of options like a boiled egg, a handful of nuts, or some Greek yoghurt. This small step can make a big difference in how you feel by the end of the night.

 

3.  Concentrate on What Is Within Your Control.

The festive season is full of surprises and situations beyond our control, but what you can control is your mindset. Instead of stressing about every little indulgence, focus on the things you can manage, such as your daily habits, mindset, and overall approach to December. Shift your perspective to see these challenges as opportunities to practice balance and moderation rather than as pitfalls.

 

4.  Stick to a Morning Routine.

The festive season often disrupts our regular routines, but keeping a consistent morning routine can help you maintain balance. Start your day with a routine that supports your circadian rhythm and hormones. This could include getting morning sunlight, enjoying a protein-rich breakfast, and engaging in light exercise or stretching. These habits set a positive tone for the day, helping you feel more grounded and in control.

 

5.  Hydrate! 

With the increase in festive drinks, staying hydrated becomes even more critical. Alcohol is dehydrating, and dehydration can lead to a host of issues, including headaches, fatigue, and poor digestion. Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to stay hydrated and help your body process the alcohol more efficiently.

 

 

6.  Don’t Restrict Yourself

The festive season is a time of indulgence, and it’s important not to fall into the trap of extreme restriction. Trying to be overly strict with your diet can lead to feelings of deprivation, which often results in overeating or bingeing later. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy your favourite foods. Pick your favourites, savour them, and move on without guilt. Remember, a little indulgence won’t derail your progress.

 

7.  Be Mindful.

Mindful eating is your best friend during the festive season. It’s easy to graze mindlessly on snacks or sweets, especially when they’re in abundance. However, this can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to what and how much you’re eating. Enjoy your favourite foods and toast with a glass or two, but do so with intention. This way, you can indulge without going overboard.

 

8.  Find a Small Corner of ‘You’ Time.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos. Prioritise finding a small corner of ‘you’ time each day. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, a short walk, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, taking this time for yourself helps regulate your nervous system and keeps stress levels in check. A calm mind is less likely to reach for comfort foods out of stress or overwhelm.

 

9.  Try to Keep Your Sleep Schedule as Regular as Possible.

The festive season often means late nights and disrupted sleep schedules, but maintaining as regular a sleep pattern as possible is crucial for your overall well-being. Instead of sleeping in after a late night out, try to stick to your usual wake-up time and, if needed, take a short nap during the day. Consistent sleep patterns help regulate hormones that control hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to healthy habits.

 

10.  Get Outside Daily.

Getting outside every day, even for a short walk, can do wonders for your nervous system and overall well-being. Fresh air, natural light, and gentle movement help regulate your mood, improve digestion, and keep your energy levels stable. Whether it’s a brisk walk, some light stretching, or simply standing outside for a few minutes, make it a priority to get outside and move your body.

 

11.  Relieve Bloating with Simple Practices.

The festive season can sometimes lead to bloating, especially with all the rich foods and drinks. If you find yourself feeling bloated, try to eat mindfully and chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion. Additionally, a simple practice like lying on your back with your legs up a wall can help relieve bloating by improving circulation and supporting digestion. 

 

12.  Hangover Relief: Hydrate with a Twist.

If you find yourself with a hangover, rehydrating is key. Enhance your hydration by adding a pinch of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some coconut water to your water. This combination helps replenish electrolytes, supports your liver, and speeds up recovery. 

The festive season doesn’t have to derail your health and nutrition goals. By incorporating these small but powerful habits into your routine, you can navigate the holidays with confidence and maintain your well-being. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but about making mindful choices that support your body and mind.

If you’re struggling to stay on track or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah for more support. 

 

Meet Sarah...

 

 

Sarah Gale is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Clinical Nutritionist DipION mBANT and hormone expert and helps women who just can’t lose weight break free of the diet cycle, rebalance their hormones and feel confident in their own skin again.

After a lifetime a hating her body and chronic yo-yo dieting, Sarah realised that yo-yo diets didn’t have the answers and by balancing her hormones, fixing her metabolism and working on her mindset she could finally lose the weight and get her self-confidence back.

You can find out more about Sarah and the services she offers over at Sarah Gale Nutrition.