How to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry This Christmas

Confession time: The thing I look forward to most at the end of the year isn't the presents or the quiet. It’s the food.

I’m talking about the big Christmas dinner. The roast, the potatoes, the endless snacks, the chocolate, the wine… all of it. It’s a time for joy, connection, and yes, incredible flavour.

For a long time in my fitness journey, I saw this as a problem. I’d either stress about “staying on track” and miss out on the fun, or I’d overindulge and be filled with regret and a plan to “detox” in January.

But I’ve learned a better way. Now, I look forward to it with pure excitement and zero guilt. And you can, too.

The secret isn’t willpower. It’s strategy.

Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me, and that I now teach my clients:

Don't "Save Up" Calories – Fuel Your Body Consistently.

The worst thing you can do is starve yourself all day to "save room" for the big meal. This guarantees you’ll arrive ravenous, your blood sugar will be on a rollercoaster, and you’ll be far more likely to overeat everything in sight.

Instead, have your normal, balanced breakfast and lunch. Prioritize protein and fibre. This keeps your metabolism steady and your hunger hormones in check, so you can enjoy the festive foods you love mindfully, not desperately.

My 3 Simple Rules for a Guilt-Free Feast:

1. Eat Mindfully, Not Mindlessly.
Fill your plate once with everything you want. Sit down, savor each bite, and enjoy the conversation. The first few bites are always the most satisfying. When you eat slowly, you’ll often find you’re full before you need a second mountain of food.

2. Prioritize Protein & Veggies First.
When building your plate, start with the turkey/ham/fish and the vegetables. Then add the festive carbs and treats. This simple trick ensures you get the filling, nutrient-dense foods in first, naturally leaving less room for overdoing the less nutritious options.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Enjoy your wine or festive drinks! But for every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water. This prevents dehydration (which feels like hunger) and helps you pace yourself. It’s the easiest trick to feel great the next day.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is enjoyment without derailment.

This is what my coaching is all about. I don’t teach restriction; I teach strategy. I help you build habits so solid that a few days of celebration don’t break them. You learn to navigate any situation—from a Christmas party to a konbini run—with confidence.

You can have your Christmas cake and eat it too. You just need a plan.

So go ahead, look forward to that amazing dinner. Savor every bite. And if you want to start the New Year feeling energized and in control—not starting from scratch—I’m here to help you build the foundation now.

Enjoy the feast, and let’s talk about building a January you can look forward to, too.

[Ready to enjoy food without the fear? Let's build your personalized strategy. Book a call today!]