5 Tips for SURVIVING the Festive Season

The festive season is a GREAT time of year - Christmas parties, family catch-ups, celebrations of another year’s achievements... Let's face it, this time of year the food is amazing and the drinks are flowing. But for many people, the festive season is also a time of stress. You know you have all of these social situations full of delicious food coming up and you don’t want to undo all of the hard work you’ve put in all year!

I want to you to actually enjoy the festive season this year without the food guilt and without feeling like you’ve completely fallen off the wagon by January. But I also want you to reach the end of December without throwing away all of the amazing progress you’ve made.

I challenge you to change your attitude this year and implement my Top 5 tips for SURVIVING this festive season to prevent the silly season bulge.

1. Plan, plan, plan!

Knowledge is power! Know what events you have coming up. Know what the food situation is likely to be. Think about how much alcohol you plan to drink at each event. This will all help to prepare you ahead of time so you’re not left scrambling on the day.

If you have multiple events in the one week, pick your priority events where you are going to relax and enjoy vs. those where you will be stricter. Have a recovery plan for the next day - what are you going to eat and how are you going to move your body to get back on track?

2. Don't arrive to the party hungry!

You will make better food choices, eat less and be more in control if you have something small to eat before heading out. Think of it as your ‘pre-event meal’! This doesn’t mean you need to eat a whole meal beforehand. Even just a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, some cheese and crackers, a protein ball or a small bowl of yoghurt with fruit will do.

3. Be a savvy guest

If you’re asked to bring a plate, take something that you’re happy to eat. This guarantees there will be at least one dish you can eat that won’t blow your budget. Make it look amazing so others will want to eat it too - there’s no need to advertise that it’s ‘healthy’! Offer to take the salads if you’re having a big BBQ.

4. Be mindful with alcohol

Alcohol provides energy but no nutritional value. It can add up very quickly and will also lower your inhibitions around food meaning you’re more likely to eat foods you wouldn’t normally eat and in larger quantities. It can also significantly impact your sleep and next day recovery.

Alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water, choose lower calorie options where possible and set yourself a limit before you go.

5. Give yourself permission to enjoy it!

This is the most important tip! Food is not just fuel - it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s about gathering with family and friends and sharing delicious food. ENJOY IT!

One meal or even one week of celebrations will not derail your progress. It’s what you do consistently over time that matters. Acknowledge that the festive season is a special time of year where the usual rules can be relaxed a little - and enjoy every moment of it!

Tags: Brisbane Dietitian, Brisbane Sports Dietitian, Christmas, Christmas food, dietitian, Dietitian Approved, Dietitian Brisbane, festive season, Sports Dietitian Australia, Sports Dietitian Brisbane, sports nutrition, weight management