The Middle Road to Healthy Eating During the Festive Season

As the silly season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught between the desire to indulge in holiday treats and the commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It's a time when all-or-nothing thinking often creeps in, urging us to either stick rigidly to our diets or throw caution to the wind. However, there's a middle road that allows us to enjoy the holiday spirit without compromising our well-being.

Top Nutrition Tips For The Christmas Season:

1. Banish All-or-Nothing Thinking: The holidays are not a green light to abandon healthy eating habits completely. Instead of viewing your choices as strictly black or white, consider the shades of grey in between. Allow yourself to savour festive treats in moderation, rather than adopting a restrictive mindset that may lead to guilt and over indulgence.

What if you were to walk into a social eating scenario thinking…

• What would be the worse outcome in this scenario with my food choices? (The BLACK) For example: Choosing all the high fat, high sugar foods, continuing to eat way past feelings of fullness, getting wildly intoxicated with high calorie drinks, waking up to a day of bingeing on bacon and egg rolls, pastry snacks and chocolate.

• What would be a situation in which I felt like I was missing out/deprived completely? (The WHITE) For example: Saying no to any foods deemed less healthy, only choosing veggies and lean meat as a meal, sipping on soda and denying all alcohol, avoiding desert or any Chrissie treats such as chocolate covered peanuts, candy cane and mince pies.

• Where can I make some smart decisions but still enjoy myself? (The GREY) For example: Balancing your lunch plate with carbs, protein, fats and colour and adding a bit of a bigger portion of the food you love most, sharing dessert with your partner, sticking to a 2 drink & 1 treat limit.

2. Practice Mindful Eating: Mindful eating involves paying attention to the sensory experience of eating and tuning in to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Before reaching for that second helping of dessert, take a moment to savour each bite. Eating slowly and mindfully can enhance your enjoyment of the meal and help you recognise when you're satisfied. This way you don’t scoff without tasting!

3. Plan Balanced Meals: Strive for balance in your holiday meals by including a combination of sustaining (low GI) carbohydrates, proteins, fats and colourful fruits and vegetables. Balanced meals contribute to sustained energy levels, reducing the likelihood of energy crashes that can leave you feeling lethargic. Opt for a mix of nutrient-dense foods to keep your body fuelled and your spirits high.

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Amidst the festive cheer, it's easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Australia can be very hot in Summer! Water plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall energy levels. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're enjoying alcoholic beverages, to prevent dehydration and the associated sluggishness.

5. Incorporate Movement: Maintaining an active lifestyle is key to counteracting the potential effects of holiday indulgences. Whether it's a brisk walk with a friend, a body boarding competition at the beach or a game of pickleball - find enjoyable ways to stay active. Movement will boost mood and energy levels.

6. Listen to Your Body: Above all, intuitively listen to your body. If you find yourself feeling overly full or sluggish, honour your body's needs and give it the rest or nourishment it requires. Avoid the temptation to compensate with extreme dietary measures and instead focus on making balanced choices moving forward.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of flexibility and balance. By adopting a middle-of-the-road approach to eating, you can enjoy the festive delights while maintaining your well-being. Remember, it's not about perfection but about finding a sustainable and enjoyable way to navigate the holiday season without the extremes of all or nothing.

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!