How to keep the family happy and nourished this Christmas

The last weeks of the year as we hurtle towards Christmas are all about joy, laughter, and sharing good food, right?

And while all that’s in abundance over the festive season, so is getting carried away with sweet treats and hearty feasts!

It really doesn’t help that all the good stuff has been beckoning us in stores for months now but finding the balance between snacking and nutrition is key to keeping everyone feeling their healthiest. 

With a bit of planning and creativity you don’t need to compromise yours or your family’s health. So, without further ado, here are my tips for celebrating mindfully and still having a merry, fun festive season.

 

Control the portions

Now this is quite an easy one on paper, but portion control can be tricky IRL – especially when everything on the table just looks so good. Christmas food is tempting and encourages us to pile our plates high without a second thought – but everything in moderation is best.

A study suggests that we may end up eating thrice the number of calories per day over the holidays which is a huge amount! To keep things in check, try mindful eating: take note of when you feel genuinely hungry or full and listen to your body which helps prevent over-drinking and eating. 

Starting your meal by pausing to enjoy the smell, textures, and presentation of the food can help you slow down and make more conscious choices. As you eat, take small bites and chew slowly, letting yourself truly savour each flavour. Remember, the goal isn’t to deny yourself, but to enjoy your food at a pace that allows you to feel satisfied without overindulging.

If you’re hosting or dishing up for your family, consider serving smaller portions initially, with the option for seconds. This can prevent overeating while still letting everyone enjoy the variety of dishes on offer.

Choose healthier swaps

Holiday favourites are often packed with sugar and calories, so looking nutritious alternatives can make a huge difference. Air-frying ingredients, for example, or swapping carbohydrates such as potatoes for delicacies like cauliflower or sweet potato with a lower GI will help keep you all full for longer.

When baking (and oh boy will we bake!), try swapping refined sugar for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup – or even mashed bananas. You could also experiment with wholemeal flour or ground almonds for some extra fibre! Know that this will change the recipe, however, so check online what the best ratios for these alternatives are. 

Little changes like the above really will make a massive difference without sacrificing taste or tradition!

 

Stay hydrated

The classic – but it’s easy to forget about drinking enough water and liquids in the colder months. And while there are many wonderful and comforting drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate or eggnog, these drinks can also ramp up your calories for the day. A good idea is to mix them up with water or stick to tea. And right now, there are lots of festive Christmas blends available for extra warmth whilst staying well hydrated.

Adding a few extras to your water can make it feel even more festive, especially if you’re trying to encourage your kids to drink more water. Try slices of lemon, chopped strawberries or a sprig of mint – get creative!

Staying hydrated not only helps you feel better overall but also supports digestion and can curb unnecessary snacking. Encourage the whole family to make hydration a habit, even during celebrations (and beyond!).

 

Get everyone involved

Getting the kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to make healthy eating fun and meaningful. They can help with simple tasks like washing veg, stirring the pot, or adding decorations to biscuits – or more, depending on their age and curiosity.

Another fun idea is to grow a few herbs or vegetables at home, even if it’s just in small pots on the windowsill. Now, I know it’s a bit late for it this year, but why not plan it as something to look forward to in 2025? Kids adore watching their efforts grow into something they can eat.

You might also try a festive-themed cooking day where the family makes healthier versions of classic holiday treats, like wholegrain gingerbread biscuits or lightly sweetened mince pies.

The point is that you an enjoy the upcoming weeks wonderful without compromising on your family’s health. It’s really all about balance and a bit of moderation. After all, a truly memorable holiday is one where everyone feels their best – happy, healthy, and ready to celebrate.

Happy Christmas to you and your family!