Want to Stay as Healthy as Possible Over Christmas? Sanitarium Dietitian Trish Guy Shares How

With the season packed full of feasting and celebrating, it can be hard to stay healthy or make balanced choices. Sanitarium Accredited Practicing Dietitian Trish Guy is helping make it easier – sharing her easy tips to make the Christmas season that little bit healthier – no scrooges around here!   

Trish, does it take a Christmas miracle to be healthy during the festive season? 

With Summer AND Christmas on its way, it can be a little hard to stay on track with your health goals when there’s an increase in invites to gatherings coming in. But it’s not impossible! 

Q. How worried should I be about my health during the festive season?  

We know from international studies, including a recent systematic review by researchers from Australia, that every year people gain an average of between a quarter of a kilo to over two kilograms over the festive period, and that the extra weight gained was maintained anywhere from 1 month up to 1 year.     

Happily, there’s no need to avoid decadent foods altogether or expend energy stressing over what you ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ eat. With awareness and a little planning, you can navigate your way through the holiday season's parties and mealtimes by taking some simple steps to keep your body and health a priority. And remember – looking after yourself and your health in the long term is much more important than fixating on short term weight changes.  

Q. As a Dietitian, how do you approach it? 

I do believe that simple swaps can make a big difference! Here I share my favourite six easy to adopt tips, that if kept top of mind can help you to stay healthy this Christmas and beyond.  

1. Eat Dinner Before Going to a Party 

A really helpful way to avoid overeating at the food table at any party is to eat beforehand. Having a light, healthy dinner before heading is a great way to pack in some goodness first, while still enjoying some of your festive faves with loved ones.

2. Eat to Nourish

Most party food tables will have healthier food options. Instead of a handful of chips, give your body more of the nutrients it needs, by choosing cut up vegetables dipped in hummus or salsa, fruit pieces, sushi or a handful of nuts. 

3. Don't Skip Breakfast

It can be easy to think ‘I’ll skip breakfast and have a larger lunch’ but starting off with a nutritious breakfast can help you stay fuller for longer and help reduce non-hungry eating later in the day. Start the day right by making the most of healthy options provided where you're staying or step out and buy your own. my favourites include fruit topped bircher muesli or smashed avocado on sourdough. Eating breakfast can also help reduce your chance of overindulging later in the day. Check out our Sanitarium breakfast recipes for some inspiration. 

4. Snack Attack

Chips, chocolate and lollies are often aplenty at festive gatherings, but overindulging on these may leave you feeling sluggish and your hunger won’t be satisfied. Instead, bring something to share that you know you can enjoy – and you have a guaranteed healthy option!  I recommend nutritious, but delicious, snacks like Weet-Bix Energy Bars, Peppermint Bliss Balls and Crunchy Peanut Boats – yummy options and full of fibre and antioxidants. If you’re tempted to taste everything, think bite-sized portions to avoid overfilling your plate, and be sure to enjoy your favourite festive treats mindfully.  

5. Carry Water

I always have a bottle of water handy. It's the best drink for you and can help you digest all that delicious food. Sometimes when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty. So, I try to have a drink of water before going back for seconds or loading up my plate.  

6. Healthy Swaps

Choose dishes based on wholegrains like brown rice or wholegrain pasta and plenty of vegetables or swap fries for extra veggies or a salad. Choosing tomato or vegetable-based sauces or dips on the Christmas day cheese platter over creamy and cheese-based ones will provide plenty of fibre, to help you feel fuller.

Q. I always try to be healthy, but I’m just so tempted by the things that aren’t so good for me, or never seem to have the right options! 

I find that being prepared is a huge help in making sure I have plenty of tasty and nutritious options on hand! Prepping some delicious snacks and desserts ahead of time so you can simply reach for something you prepared earlier makes healthy options easier when you and the kids are craving sustenance between activities or if you want to avoid spending all your time in the kitchen when guests come over. 

Some of my favourite make ahead snacks and desserts include:   

• Fresh veggies sticks with homemade dips

• Frittatas or rice paper rolls

• Choc coconut mousse

• Truffles or Bliss balls 

• Healthy Christmas cake

Find more expert dietitian tips for how to stay healthy-ish over Christmas here.