As soon as December hits, our minds turn to food and drink. Christmas really is the season of good food and lots of it. Indulging over the festive period is a notorious tradition. However, at times this can mean Christmas is associated with guilt. This guilt can sometimes give rise to the January gym rush, all in the effort to burn off those indulgences.
We’re here to remind you that Christmas is about so much more than an extra glass of wine or a second helping of roast potatoes.
Food is fuel for our bodies. It is also supposed to be enjoyed - why else would we be given the sense of taste? Take advantage of good food. Let Christmas be the chance to enjoy the foods you love.
It’s hard to draw our attention away from the sugary treats of the season, but we can’t forget the star of the show: Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. A very wholesome nutritious meal. The traditional Christmas roast is full of protein, vegetables and fibre.
Turkey is one of the leaner meats on offer and is richer in protein than other white meats. It provides a wealth of B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6 and B12, which will help boost your energy throughout the Christmas period. The array of seasonal vegetables you have on your plate at Christmas can offer you a significant helping of all your essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, C and E. And if you are a fan of brussels sprouts, you are in for a treat - did you know that over 20% of their calories are protein!
If you opt for a nut roast for the main event, you can also benefit from a wealth of nutrition. Your typical nut roast is rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats. The main ingredient, the nuts, provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc and copper.
Christmas is an opportunity to practice mindful eating; this means being fully attentive to your food. Focus on how your food smells, looks, and tastes. Mindful eating can help us become more aware of what we are eating, how much we are eating, and why we are eating it. Make it an experience - this will help determine a positive response to your food and eradicate any guilty feelings. It can prevent overeating too.
Listen to your body, not your surroundings. By this, I mean don’t feel overwhelmed. Some individuals find themselves overcome by pressure when it comes to eating at Christmas, and this can ultimately lead to overeating to please. Just a reminder that you can say no to seconds if you are no longer hungry, and you do not have to finish your entire plate to be polite. Only you know your limits.
This concept also applies to alcohol consumption. It's ok to have a drink and be merry over Christmas, but it's your choice. And if you do happen to drink a few too many, a glass of Good Green Vitality the following morning will be sure to spruce you up.
Remember, a few days of indulgence does not impact your whole year. The holiday season is short-lived, which means you are more than welcome to make choices that wouldn’t usually be deemed as healthy all year round. It’s time to enjoy the festivities and the connection food brings to you, your friends and your family. Here’s to a new narrative this year. Here’s to a guilt-free Christmas.
