The Christmas holidays are synonymous with gourmet pleasures: hearty meals, gourmet desserts and festive drinks. While these moments are a real treat for the taste buds, they can sometimes take their toll on physical well-being. Fortunately, it’s possible to enjoy these festivities while limiting excesses. Here are our tips for maintaining a balanced diet during and after Christmas.
Why avoid excess?
During the holidays, the combination of foods rich in fat, sugar and salt, combined with less physical activity, can lead to :
- A feeling of heaviness and fatigue.
- Temporary weight gain.
- Difficult digestion.
- Dehydration linked to alcohol and salty foods.
Maintaining a balanced diet doesn’t mean giving up pleasures. It’s about making the right choices and enjoying every moment.
Before the Holidays: Prepare Your Body
- Hydrate properly: Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day to prepare your body for rich meals.
- Adopt a light diet: Focus on fruit, vegetables and lean proteins in the days leading up to festive meals.
- Get active: This helps keep your metabolism active and reduces the stress of getting ready.
Holiday season: Striking the right balance
1. Eat Mindfully:
- Take time to savour every bite. Eat slowly to recognize satiety signals.
- Prefer small portions, and serve yourself again only if you’re still hungry.
2. Moderate Rich Foods:
- Enjoy gourmet yet balanced dishes: choose a slice of turkey rather than a fatty piece of meat.
- For desserts, opt for a small portion or share with a loved one.
3. Drink responsibly:
- Alternate each glass of alcohol with a glass of water to stay hydrated.
- Limit high-sugar drinks such as cocktails and opt for options such as a glass of wine or champagne.
4. Make Smart Choices:
- On the buffet, opt for roasted vegetables, raw vegetables and lean protein sources.
- Avoid systematically refilling every dish.
After the Holidays: Regaining Balance
1. Opt for a Gentle Detox:
- Drink draining herbal teas (green tea, fennel or mint infusions).
- Prepare light, vegetable-rich homemade soups such as celery and carrot detox soup.
2. Rebalance Your Diet:
- Reduce processed foods high in added sugars.
- Fill your plate with vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
3. Stay Active:
- Slowly get back into an exercise routine with walks or stretching.
4. Sleep Well:
- Party nights can disrupt your sleep. Try to catch up on your sleep and get some rest.
Example of a Post-Holiday Balanced Eating Day
Breakfast: Green smoothie (spinach, kiwi, almond milk) + 1 slice of wholemeal bread with a little avocado.
Lunch: Steamed fish fillet with grilled vegetables and quinoa.
Snack: A handful of dried fruit and herbal tea.
Dinner: Homemade vegetable soup and light salad with pumpkin seeds.
Conclusion:
Christmas celebrations are not incompatible with a balanced diet. All it takes is a few adjustments to enjoy the gourmet pleasures without the guilt. By listening to your body and adopting healthy habits before and after festive meals, you’ll stay in top shape to enjoy every moment to the full.
