The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and a little indulgence, but they can also bring stress and habits that derail health goals. Here are 15 practical tips to help you feel calm, make mindful choices, and start the new year feeling refreshed, not regretful.

1. Set an Intentional Goal: Take some time to define what “success” looks like for you. Whether it’s staying active, eating mindfully, or simply feeling calm. A clear goal helps guide decisions.

2. Shift the Focus Beyond Food: Holiday food events can be stressful for anyone, especially if you’re committing to going gluten-free, dairy-free, avoiding FODMAPs, or just sticking to health goals. Remind yourself that a few days won’t undo your progress, consistency matters more.

Here’s a simple tip to avoid awkward food moments and enjoy more of Christmas: Lean into connection, chat with someone new, help the host, or support someone who seems alone. It takes the pressure off what’s on the plate.

3. Have a Game Plan: If the festive dynamics cause worry, ensure you have a discrete supply of soothing nervous system support, like NeuroCalm or NeuroCalm Soothe, on hand to keep your Christmas calm and manage overwhelm. Additionally, if healthy eating is a priority this holiday season, decide on your serving sizes before you arrive (e.g., one plate of food and one small dessert). This structure is can help reduce impulsive holiday choices.

4. Bring a healthy plate: Contributing something wholesome to the spread will provide you and other guests with a healthy option. A plate of refreshing summery fruits always receives love, and a fresh salad to accompany seafood or barbecue will always bring value and cheer. For dessert, bring our Festive Protein Pavlova Recipe for a delicious, balanced treat!

5. Don’t Skip Meals: Fasting often backfires; instead, enjoy a light, high-protein snack like these Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats (gluten-free, dairy-free, low-FODMAP). This balanced choice supports energy levels, curbs overeating, and ensures you arrive nourished.

6. Balance the Plate: Aim to construct a simple, satisfying, and nutrient-rich plate by applying the 50/25/25 rule. Fill half your plate with vegetables (salads, roasted, or steamed), a quarter with lean protein (seafood, chicken or legumes), and a quarter with complex carbohydrates (potatoes and rice). This simple structure ensures you get adequate nutrients without feeling overly stuffed.

7. Step Away From the Buffet: Lingering near the food spread encourages constant grazing and mindless consumption. After serving your balanced plate, make a conscious effort to move away from the buffet area and settle into a comfortable social space. By increasing the physical distance from the food, you reduce the temptation to take "just one more bite."

8. Slow Down and Savour: The simple act of slowing down your eating dramatically improves the festive experience. Chewing your food thoroughly not only aids digestion but gives your brain the necessary time (about 20 minutes) to register fullness, which actively helps prevent overeating. Practice putting your fork down between bites to truly tune into your body's satisfaction and fullness cues.

9. Choose What Truly Delights: At this time of year, there are countless treat options, but not all of them are truly worth the calories or the sugar rush. Encourage mindful indulgence by teaching yourself to skip the "meh" desserts and only enjoy what truly looks and tastes delightful. This strategy means mindful sampling always beats mindless consumption.

10. Know the Limit: The festive season often involves alcohol, making it essential to understand the guidelines for responsible consumption. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides a clear benchmark to help avoid the elevated risks associated with heavy drinking.

11. Alternate with water and delicious nutritional mocktails: A glass of water between each alcoholic drink helps you stay hydrated, slows alcohol intake, and reduces hangover risk. Keep hydration interesting with flavored electrolytes or magnesium mixes! 

12. Eat Before Drinking: Consume a light, high-protein, starchy meal before alcohol. This foundation slows absorption, protects your energy levels by stabilising blood sugar, and ensures you remain present and in control for the duration of the event.

13. Morning Movement Matters: by encouraging early exercise before the day's events. Use this time to explore your neighborhood's Christmas cheer—take a trip to see the lights or find local carol events!

14. Schedule It Like an Appointment: Make your moments of self-care non-negotiable by adding them to your calendar. A beach walk or nature walk is a wonderful way to reset the nervous system and truly embrace the relaxing spirit of Christmas

15. Make It Fun and Social: Suggest active traditions—backyard cricket and bocce, a family walk, or festive dancing. Movement can be joyful!

The festive season doesn’t have to mean abandoning health goals. With a little planning and mindfulness, you can genuinely enjoy the holidays feeling calm, connected, and in control. Remember that healthy can still be delicious! For those needing extra support, tailored guidance is just a consultation away. For tailored care over this festive season, click here to talk to a Practitioner today.