Mindful Eating During the Holidays: Indulge in the Season, Guilt-Free.
The festive season is here! It’s a time of joy, family, and—let’s face it—delicious food. But with all the indulgence, it’s easy to overdo it and end up feeling sluggish. The good news? You don’t have to choose between enjoying festive treats and staying healthy. Mindful eating can help you do both!
What is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating is all about savouring your food and being present in the moment. It’s not about restriction or guilt—it’s about making intentional choices that make you feel good, both physically and emotionally.
Here’s how you can enjoy the flavours of the season while keeping your health in check:
Recipe Swaps for Festive Favourites:
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Traditional Christmas Pudding
- Swap: Try our apple crumble instead! (order online or make your own from our Good Farm cookbook)
- Why it works: Our apple crumble is gluten free, naturally sweet and won’t leave you feeling sluggish. It’s a wholesome yet indulgent dessert.
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Roast Potatoes
- Swap: Cook your potatoes in duck fat or olive oil instead of processed vegetable oils.
- Why it works: These healthy fats add a golden crispness and enhance the flavour while being better for your body.
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Festive Drinks
- Swap: Make a mulled wine spritzer by diluting with sparkling water or opt for a kombucha-based mocktail. You can still drink alcohol, just add in some yummy non-alcohol drinks so you don’t over do it.
- Why it works: You’ll still enjoy a festive drink without overloading on sugar, extra calories and hangovers. Plus, alcohol often leads to over eating and extra indulgence.
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Dessert Platter
- Swap: Try a combination of fresh fruit and dark chocolate (70% or higher).
- Why it works: These options are satisfying and nutrient-rich, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment without going overboard on cake.
Tips for Mindful Eating During Celebrations
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Start with Smaller Portions
- Fill your plate with smaller servings to begin with. You can always go back for more if you’re still hungry.
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Don’t rush. Enjoy Each Bite
- Take your time to enjoy the flavours. It’s takes time for our stomach to signal to our brain that we’re full.
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Stay Hydrated
- Keep a glass of water handy to help prevent mistaking thirst for hunger—and to balance out festive drinks.
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Focus on Connection
- Shift your focus to the joy of being with loved ones, rather than the food itself.
Exercise: Don’t Wait for New Year’s Resolutions
The holiday season often comes with the temptation to “start fresh” in January, but staying active now can help you feel better both physically and mentally. Here’s how to make movement part of your festivities:
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Make It Social
- Plan a family walk after Christmas lunch or organise a friendly backyard cricket game.
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Keep It Short
- Even 10-15 minutes of movement—like stretching, yoga, or bodyweight exercises—can make a difference.
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Festive Workouts
- Try themed workouts, like a “12 Days of Christmas” circuit with simple exercises.
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Focus on Fun
- Dancing to holiday music, playing with the kids, or even decorating the house can count as exercise.
Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. By staying active during the holidays, you’ll maintain energy, reduce stress, and set yourself up for success in the new year—no resolutions required!
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