Healthy Christmas: Smart Holiday Habits for a Balanced Festive Season
Whether you celebrate Christmas or simply take part in the seasonal gatherings, the joy of the period often includes comforting meals, treats, and plenty of togetherness.
Because holiday routines can look a little different -often with richer dishes, extra desserts, or celebratory drinks- it can be helpful to keep a few gentle tips in mind.
These simple ideas can help you enjoy your favorite festive foods in a balanced way throughout the season.
Healthy Christmas meals: Master the “Art of plate method”
The Art of the Plate method is a simple visual approach that you can use year-round, and it becomes especially handy during festive periods when meals are often dense and more varied. The idea is to arrange food on your plate in a way that naturally brings in different nutrients, flavors, and textures, offering a sense of balance without relying on strict rules or calculations.
Here are the basic tips to follow:
1/2 Plate: Salad
Fill half your plate with salad. Fiber intake can help you feel satiated earlier and have better digestion. Olive oil and lemon/vinegar are a great option for healthy dressing.
1/4 Plate: Protein
Choose lean sources like roasted turkey (skinless), lean pork, or fish. Protein is your friend forstable energy levels.
1/4 Plate: Carbohydrates
Whenever possible, opt for baked or boiled potatoes, rice, or other minimally processed options, rather than fried varieties.
There’s always room for dessert: Here’s How to Make It Work
Desserts are a joyful part of the festive season, and there’s no reason to skip them if you enjoy them. Here’s how you can fit sweets comfortably into your celebrations.
- Think of dessert as part of the whole meal.
If you know you’d like something sweet afterward, consider removing the carbohydrate portion from your plate completely to help your body manage the overall glycemic load better. - Favor homemade treats when possible.
Whenever possible, choose homemade desserts as opposed to pre-packaged or mass-produced options. - Keep portions small and satisfying.
Choose the desserts you truly enjoy and savour a smaller serving. - Share the sweetness.
Splitting desserts with family or friends lets everyone try a little bit of everything without overdoing it.
A mindful approach to festive drinks
Although alcohol contains empty calories -energy without nutrients- you can still enjoy your drinks with a few simple choices:
As they tend to be simpler and lower in added sugars.
Which often contain syrups, juices, or sweet mixers that add extra calories.
This helps you stay hydrated and naturally reduces the amount of alcohol you consume.
Remember, both drinks and sweets can be delicious treats, but they should be enjoyed in moderation.
Smart Habits for This Time of Year
Finally, to fully enjoy the holiday period while keeping a healthy routine, you can pair the “Art of the Plate” with these additional practical tips:
Don’t arrive at the table starving
Keep some activity in your day
Even light movement like a walk with family can help reduce stress and lift your mood, which is especially helpful during food-loaded holiday periods. Many towns and cities put up beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, making it the perfect excuse to head outside for a stroll.
Wrapping Up the Season’s Tips
The holiday season is a period meant to be enjoyed, and small mindful choices can help you feel good while still embracing the foods and traditions you look forward to. By adding a bit of structure to your plate, staying aware of your hunger and keeping simple habits in mind, you can move through the celebrations in a relaxed, and guilt-free way. Allow yourself to savour the moments, connect with others, and let the season unfold in a way that feels right for you.
Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you have any health conditions or dietary requirements, consult your healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your needs.
