We caught up with Nutritionist, Victoria Thomas, from www.victoriathomasnutrition.com, to discuss the best ways to keep healthy over the festive season (while still having a fabulous time!)…
Ah, December! The magical month when fairy lights twinkle, Mariah Carey is on repeat and the mince pies seem to multiply like rabbits. For many of us it’s also the season of indulgence. Suddenly, ‘just one more’ becomes our mantra – be it biscuits, festive fizz, or those irresistible party platters (cocktail sausage anyone?) Whilst indulging is definitely part of the fun (no guilt felt here!), all those treats can leave us feeling more ‘Bah, Humbug’ than ‘Ho, Ho, Ho by the time Christmas actually rolls around.
But don’t worry, here at Victoria Thomas Nutrition, I’m here to help you sleigh this holiday season (pun intended) by showing you how to balance your festive fun with a little self-care. Let’s make this December about feeling fabulous as well as feeling festive!
Keep the party but ditch the overload
Let’s face it: there’s nothing wrong with letting loose and enjoying a good old knees up. The key is to treat those festive blowouts like the exception, not the rule. Here’s how:
Save the Booze for the Big Moments: We get it—a mulled wine here, a Baileys there, and suddenly your "quiet Tuesday" has turned into a mini pub crawl. To keep things balanced, pick the special occasions to enjoy a drink or two and swap the rest for fun non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and lime. Your liver will say ‘I thank you.’
Stay Hydrated: For every alcoholic drink, chase it with a glass of water (not tequila like in the good old days). Not only will this slow you down, but it’ll also help prevent the dreaded hangover dehydration. Bonus: clearer skin for those holiday selfies.
Fuel Your Festive Fire
Think of your body as a Christmas tree—you’ve got to water it regularly to keep it looking good! On the days you’re not indulging, focus on nourishing, balanced meals to keep your energy and mood in check.
Go Big on Veggies: Load up on roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips (they’re not just for the big day). These fibre-packed superstars keep your digestion happy and counterbalance those richer treats.
Don’t Skip Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu, Greek yoghurt, or beans will keep you fuller for longer and help stabilize those all-important blood sugar levels. A stable blood sugar means fewer cravings for those sneaky office choccies.
Healthy Fats = Happy You: Add a sprinkle of nuts, seeds, or an avocado to meals. These good fats support your brain and mood during what can be a hectic season.
Sweet Dreams Aren’t Made of Mince Pies
Good sleep is the unsung hero of holiday health. It helps regulate appetite, supports immunity, and makes you less likely to snap at Aunty Val when she asks why you’re still single, getting divorced, looking tired…..(you fill in the gaps)
Watch the late night snack attack: Eating a heavy meal or sugary treat right before bed can mess with your sleep. Instead, try a calming herbal tea, a small handful of almonds or a pot of Greek yoghurt
Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Turn off those screens, dim the lights, and maybe even try a naturally scented festive candle (hello, cinnamon and clove!) to unwind.
Move Over, Christmas Couch Potato
Exercise during December often takes a backseat to Netflix marathons and non-stop eating marathons. But staying active can do wonders for your mood, digestion, and energy levels.
Make It Festive: Go for a walk to see the Christmas lights, have a snowball fight (my teens dream of this one), or dance around to your favourite holiday playlist. Remember, movement doesn’t have to be a chore.
Fit in a mini workout: Even a 10-minute stretch or quick yoga session can help you feel more energized and less sluggish after indulgent meals.
Permission to Indulge (Mindfully)
This isn’t about skipping the pigs in blankets or saying no to your Granny’s famous trifle. It’s about enjoying them without going overboard.
Portion It Out: Serve yourself a smaller plate, savour each bite, and stop when you’re full. Remember, leftovers are an actual thing and despite what your Mother tells you, it really is ok to leave some food on your plate!
Choose Your Faves: Love the Christmas pudding but not so fussed about the Christmas cheese board. Prioritise the foods you genuinely enjoy and skip the "meh" ones.
The Bottom Line
December is about joy, connection, and yes, a little indulgence. By keeping some balance in your eating, drinking, and lifestyle habits, you can step into the New Year feeling merry and bright—not shattered, bloated and depleted. So, go on, enjoy the festive season, but don’t forget to give yourself the gift of health along the way. And if after Christmas, you’re still really struggling, please feel free to give me a call, my diary is open for 2025, I’d be delighted to show you the way!
Happy holidays to every single one of you!