How to Enjoy Christmas Without Wrecking Your Health

Tracy Tredoux
3 days ago
2 min read

Christmas is meant to be enjoyed but for many people it comes with a familiar cycle of overindulgence, guilt and feeling sluggish by January. The good news is that staying well over the festive period doesn’t require dieting, deprivation or saying no to everything you love.

In fact, one of the most important principles I share with clients is not to diet over Christmas at all, but to aim for maintenance instead. This mindset alone removes the pressure that often leads to binge–restrict cycles and allows you to enjoy food, celebrations and time with family without the feeling that you’ve “failed” before January even begins.

The Christmas mindset that actually works

Routine tends to go out of the window in December and that’s normal. What matters is giving yourself the best possible foundation. Planning ahead, keeping nourishing foods in the house, and not arriving at parties starving all help to stabilise blood sugar and reduce cravings for sugar and ultra-processed snacks.

Equally important is being gentle with yourself. If you do overindulge, enjoy it, move on, and return to your usual habits at the next meal, not “on Monday” or in January.

Eating the Low GL way at Christmas

A Low GL approach allows you to enjoy festive meals while keeping energy, digestion and weight more stable. At Christmas lunch, this means building your plate around:

Protein (such as turkey, fish or vegetarian options)
Plenty of green and non-starchy vegetables
Smaller portions of starchy foods like roast potatoes or parsnips, rather than filling the plate with them

Simple swaps, such as chestnut-based stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce with xylitol, or choosing vanilla ice cream over heavy puddings, can make a big difference without feeling restrictive

Alcohol, snacks and social events

Alcohol and festive snacking are often where people feel most out of control. Choosing drier drinks, avoiding creamy or sugary options, drinking with food and staying well hydrated can significantly reduce the impact on blood sugar and energy levels

When it comes to snacks, having Low GL options available – nuts, oatcakes with protein, yoghurt with berries or small portions of dark chocolate – helps you enjoy treats without constant grazing.

Movement still matters (but it doesn’t need to be perfect)

If your usual exercise classes stop over Christmas, that doesn’t mean movement stops altogether. Brisk walks, getting outside with family, or gentle activity all support blood sugar balance, digestion and mental wellbeing – and help you feel more like yourself during the festive period