Christmas Balance: Feel Festive, Energised, and in Control This Season

The holidays are here, and while it’s all about fun, family, and festive food, let’s face it – it can also be a bit overwhelming. With all the parties, social events, and endless treats, it’s easy to feel like it’s impossible to stick to your health goals. But, it doesn’t have to be that way!

This year, let’s make Christmas work for you, not against you. In this guest blog, Hannah Crabtree from Crabtree Nutrition shares some easy, down-to-earth tips that will help you enjoy the season, feel your best, and still have room for a few festive treats (guilt-free!).

Tip 1: What Does Your Best Christmas Look Like?

Before the holiday madness takes over, take a moment to pause. What does your best Christmas actually look like? Write it down! Whether it’s a few quiet moments to yourself, the joy of family togetherness, or something simple like laughing until your stomach hurts, having a clear idea of what matters most will help you stay focused when everything else feels chaotic.

Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• The things I love most about Christmas are…
• Christmas is incomplete without…
• When I look back on this Christmas, I want to feel…
• I don’t want to feel…
• The things I normally do over Christmas that don’t work for me are…
• I’ll know I’ve had a great Christmas when…

Remember, it’s not about creating the perfect Christmas – it’s about embracing what makes you happiest. Use this as your anchor, so when the stress creeps in, you can check in with what’s truly important.

Tip 2: Find Some Balance

Christmas fun doesn’t have to last all month to be meaningful. If you count up the parties, family events, and celebrations, you’ll realise it’s only a small chunk of your month. The rest of the time is yours to manage how you see fit.

You don’t need to go all in on every piece of Christmas chocolate, mince pie, or indulge in every high carb food on the buffet to feel festive. Instead, choose the moments that really matter to you and make them count. 

Tip 3: The “May As Well” Foods

We’ve all been there – faced with a table full of tempting treats, and thinking, “Well, may as well have some… it’s Christmas after all”. The “may as well” foods aren’t the ones that you wait all year for or the things that make Christmas special. They’re the ones that sneak onto your plate just because they’re there. A handful of Quality Street here, a sausage roll there, and before you know it, you’re feeling uncomfortably full and a little bit regretful.

Here’s the thing: You can still have a magical Christmas without all the extras that don’t add much to the experience. Focus on the foods and moments that you really love, and skip the “just because” snacks. Your body will thank you for it in January.

Tip 4: Consider Your Own Needs

With everything happening during the holidays, it’s easy to forget your own personal needs. We often put everyone else first and neglect our own well-being – and that’s when we reach for the chocolate biscuits (or whatever your go-to comfort food is). But food will never be the answer to what you really need, however much they feel like it at the time.  

Stress during Christmas can be a major trigger for emotional eating, especially for women. Family tensions, money worries, and the pressure to socialise can be draining. It’s essential to take time for yourself and do the things that help you to rest, relax and recharge.

My tip? Create a love-to-do list – a collection of activities that recharge you, whether it’s deep breathing, a walk, a bath, chatting with a good friend or something else. Aim for at least 20 things you enjoy, and make them a priority this season. When you take care of yourself, everyone benefits.

Tip 5: Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is so underrated, especially when we’re busy ticking off the endless to-do lists of the season. But a good night’s sleep is one of the easiest ways to support your health, keep your stress levels in check, and avoid comfort eating. Think about how much better you feel after a full night’s rest – everything seems more manageable, and your energy levels are higher.

If sleep is an area you struggle with, make a plan. Check your festive schedule, see where you can fit in some early nights.  Then pop then in your diary and treat them like any other important event. Trust me – your health and energy levels will thank you.

Tip 6: Set Yourself a Festive Challenge

The holidays are a time for fun, but they can also be a chance to set a little challenge for yourself. This isn’t about restriction or perfection – it’s about finding a simple way to stay on track with your health goals. Here are a few ideas:

• Keep up with your regular exercise routine
• Drink an extra glass of water every day
• Get at least one early night each week
• Make a weekly food plan
• Start each day with a healthy breakfast
• Do one thing off your love-to-do list every day

Choose a challenge that works for you, and commit to it. The small wins can really add up and keep you feeling on top of your game throughout the season.

This Christmas, it’s all about balance. Embrace the things that truly matter to you, prioritise your health, and remember that it’s ok to say no to the “may as well” foods and events that don’t serve you. Keep your sleep, self-care, and stress management in check, and don’t forget to make a plan that includes both holiday fun and health.

Hope you have a happy, balanced, and healthy Christmas!

Ready to Feel Like the Best Version of You?

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You can find Hannah on our Local Business Directory, follow her on Instagram or visit her website to find out more about what she offers.