Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, making cherished memories with family and friends, celebrating with decadent food and fizzy drinks.
It’s also the time when the most incredible, mouthwatering, satisfying family-favourite celebratory dishes are laid out oh-so-seductively, too delicious to be ignored.
Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a real Aussie Christmas without the cheese ball, charcuterie platter, cob loaf dip, trifle, rocky road, pavlova, glazed ham, turkey, fresh seafood, fruity Pimms punch or Prosecco spritzers. Christmas & heavenly food go hand in hand, for sure. I’m drooling, just thinking of it. YUM!
‘Tis the season for overindulgence and temptation, but it doesn’t have to end up with indigestion, bloating or in a food coma.
Challenging though it may be, here are some healthful hacks to help you avoid the Festive Season overindulgences and help you enjoy the food-centred celebrations without denting your health (too much!) …
1. Christmas is, for many, the most gluttonous time of the year. If you are feeling tempted to go in for a second helping, force yourself to wait 20mins and then assess if you truly need more. You might realize you are not actually hungry or that extra serve of trifle is not in your best interest.
2. When sinful cuisine abounds, remember to include healthful foods, too. Never under estimate the power of a really fresh, colourful and crunchy salad. Add seasonal fruits, nuts, seeds and top with homemade moreish dressings.
3. Alcohol in moderation! Intersperse alcoholic drinks with flavoured water; don’t eat salty foods as they make you thirsty; experiment with non-alcoholic beers, wines & mocktails; drink slowly; avoid rounds; and drink at your own pace.
4. There is nothing wrong with indulging in some sofa time, enjoying Christmas movie marathons with the fam, but do not remain seated. It will benefit your digestion and your overall wellbeing if you get up and move around now and again.
5. While there’s no need to be a Grinch (unless you want to!), it is imperative you maintain your personal wellbeing. It is OK to not accept every drink offer, and there’s no need to stay to the very end of every event. AND know, you are under no obligation to accept every party invitation.
6. Be kind to yourself, and others. Not everyone enjoys the Christmas season or has family/friends to spend it with, so a little bit of kindness might do wonders for someone else’s personal wellbeing, as well as your own.
If you’re looking for inspiration for healthier alternatives, do check out my facebook page throughout this month for delicious and healthful recipes, such as my Nectarine Caprese Salad or, my sweet and salty Crunchy Nutty Popcorn.
Well, that’s a wrap for 2024. I take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and the Chit Chat team, to wish you, dear reader, health and happiness, love and laughter, a joyful Christmas and an abundant and memorable 2025.
Until next month.
The Skin Fit Coach. x
PS: you can find me on Facebook at :
https://www.facebook.com/TheREALSkinFitCoach
Written by Michelle-Lee Bailey
December 2024