Weight loss across the festive period (without losing your sparkle!)

Registered Nutrition Practitioner BSc (Hons). Yoga Teacher (BWY Dip).

Enjoying treats mindfully is key to festive weight management

December is full of surprises… mostly edible ones. Snacks appear at work and the kitchen, drinks happen on week nights, and meals get bigger without you noticing. You don’t need to be strict to stay on track if you're aiming for weight loss - you just need a flexible plan.

Aiming for “good enough” works far better than chasing perfection. Keeping protein high helps you stay full and cuts cravings for sugary snacks. Short bursts of movement, even a brisk 15-minute walk can aid your blood sugar and help you avoid the “hungry and tired” cycle the next day. Alcohol is the biggest sleep wrecker, and once sleep dips, cravings climb. Choosing your drinking nights and planning ahead gives you the best of both worlds.

Quick wins

• Keep protein high across the day

• Walk after meals when you can

• Pick your drinking nights and have your meals planned out for the next day

• Use simple “reset” meals between events

A few simple reset meals between events help you reset quickly.

Reset meals - Protein is key

• Three egg omelette with two sides of vegetables for breakfast, lunch or dinner

• Healthy microwave meal or batch cooked freezer meal e.g. Chicken and vegetable casserole, chilli con carne or Thai chicken curry. Add frozen vegetables but skip the rice and potato if you've been indulging in mince pies.

• Protein powder smoothies (if you use it). Blend in nuts, seeds, fruit and some greens to balance out your indulgent meals.

• Sausages and green vegetables - easy to cook and the sausages contain protein. Might not be as healthy as you normally eat, but you're aiming to be 'good enough' not perfect at this time.

• Sausage and bean slow cooker casserole. Add sausages, a can of tomatoes, can of beans and some herbs to a slow cooker. You have a hearty and tasty meal.

Why this works

It reduces cravings, keeps your energy steadier, and makes December feel enjoyable rather than like a nutritional obstacle course. Don't skip meals though, skipping meals isn't the answer. Its probably better to have that mince pie after your chicken lunch instead of only eating the pie - take it from a nutritionist!

Weight loss for sporty people

Training usually dips in December, and that’s okay. Keep movement ticking along, keep protein steady, and avoid long gaps between meals by healthy snacking.

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