It’s just over a week until Christmas, the magical time of twinkling lights, cosy nights, onesies and — let’s be honest — the temptation of rich food, endless savoury and sweet treats, plus hours of hardly moving, because you’re curled up on the sofa! This means the most wonderful time of year can also play havoc with our self care when we don’t pay enough attention to it. Because with so many delicious temptations around us, it’s all too easy to slip into mindless eating — such as grabbing at a handful of pigs in blankets here and topping up your glass of tipple there. Then all of a suddenly you have no idea what you actually indulged in, what you didn’t or how much you’ve actually consumed. Add to this minimal movement and… hello, the festive bulge!
But please don’t worry, because I’m not going to make you feel shame for a bit of indulgence. And I’m definitely not here to tell you to ditch the roasties, boycott the Christmas pud or avoid your favourite tipple… that would not only be boring, but also very unrealistic! So, what’s my philosophy to help you beat the bulge this Christmas? Well, that would be moderation over perfection — if you remain on point 90% of the time during the Christmas celebrations, then you can enjoy all of your favourites without the guilt trip.
So, in order to help you stay glowing, healthy and feeling fabulous right through Christmas and into the new year, below are my easy, bulge-busting festive tips:
🎄 Eat mindfully — and slowly
Whatever it is that you put into your mouth, make sure that you chew it well and savour every bite. You could even start a new mindfulness practice of counting the chews. (Hint: any food that takes less than about 30 chews to swallow is more than likely ultra processed.) By doing so, you will naturally eat less — and enjoy it more.
🎄 Get extra active
Whether this is an extra morning walk, a lunchtime family bike ride, dancing in the kitchen while cooking Christmas dinner, skipping down your road when posting cards in your neighbours’ letterboxes (yes, really) or an extra B-Fit session, it’s up to you to decide! And you may laugh, but games like Twister or even musical chairs with your favourite Christmas tunes will beat slouching on the sofa — and will help you all burn a lot more calories than consuming Quality Street while watching Netflix!
🎄 Never arrive hungry
It doesn’t matter if it’s your office Christmas party or a gathering at your in-laws, make sure that you’ve had a nourishing ‘first’ before you arrive at the venue to stop the temptation of filling up on treats. I suggest my delicious Coconut and Lentil Soup. Also make sure that your fridge at home is stocked with healthy and quick snacks like organic celery sticks, organic hummus and olives in brine.
🎄 Dodge the processed mush
This means skipping anything covered in pastry, breaded canapés, white pasta, crisps and fried nibbles. Instead, you will nourish your body by opting for any raw, marinated, pickled, grilled or fresh options. Put your focus on any veggie options — just avoid drowning them in any creamy or seed oil-laden sauces. And speaking of sauces, have a look at my healthy version of cranberry sauce and gravy. You can also make a healthier brandy custard instead of brandy butter by using coconut yoghurt and adding a splash of brandy and a spoonful of organic honey. These can all be total game changers that the family will also love!!!
🎄 Pause before ‘seconds’
When you see anyone else going back for more, it’s an automatic subconscious response to want to do the same, even if your brain is telling you not to. So, get conscious and ask yourself first: “Do I really want this?” Another tip is to use smaller plates than everyone else, still asking yourself if you REALLY want more after finishing.
🎄 Hydrate like a pro
We think that the warm temperatures of summer are when it’s important to top up our water intake, but central heating during the colder months also wreaks havoc on our hydration levels. Therefore, it’s a great idea to have your regular bottle of water handy and match each alcoholic drink with at least one glass. This will also aid in your digestion and help you avoid overindulging. And if you’re a social butterfly that will be out multiple nights, then why not volunteer to drive for some of them? Fun fact: one 750ml bottle of wine contains about 59g of sugar.
🎄 Drop a hint
If you yourself are ready to level up your health and fitness in 2026, then you could always ask your friends and family for a B-Fit Christmas gift voucher instead of another pair of slippers, hoodie — or box of chocolates!!! Just send them my way by passing on my number (07748 298 728) or sending them this link.
Basically, the bottom line is that you’ve absolutely got this. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are really the only two days of indulgence, so enjoy them, but also stay mindful so that you can step into the new year feeling strong, energised, more confident and absolutely fabulous.
Love, Gaynor x
