Christmas Nutrition Tips

Written by: Hayley Derwent

Bio: Hayley is a holistic nutritionist whose vision is to inspire and educate patients about food and lifestyle to positively enhance their health and wellbeing. She provides a safe and caring environment by listening, teaching and supporting people and working in partnership with them to strive towards good health and happiness.

Hayley’s areas of interest include weight loss, hormonal changes, sports nutrition, food intolerances, anxiety, children’s health, digestive concerns and special diets, as well as general health and wellbeing. Hayley considers lifestyle as well as nutrition in her treatment approach to these conditions.

Hayley holds an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine. She is a member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and International Institute for Complimentary Therapists (IICT).

Christmas Nutrition Tips

We are just around the corner from Christmas and Christmas parties have started, Christmas carols are being played everywhere you go and you’re probably starting to plan your Christmas menu. However, Christmas can be a difficult time when it comes to sticking to a nutritious, wholefood diet. So, here are some tips to make it easier for you.

1. Don’t go to a party hungry

It’s a good idea to have a snack before going out. This will reduce the chances of eating the not-so-nutritious party food. A high-protein snack will help you to feel full, as well as helping your food choices while at the party. Some ideas include a handful of nuts, a boiled egg, or veggie sticks with hummus.

2. Don’t try to lose weight

This is fairly self-explanatory. It is going to be a very determined person who will be successful at losing weight over the festive season. Instead, aim to maintain your current weight. You can do the following to help:

• Consider your food choices – go for the more nutritious food such as salads & vegetables, meat and fruit instead of offerings such as pastries, chips, lollies or chocolates
• Pile your plate high with salad
• Try to wait 20 minutes before having seconds. It takes that long for your brain to get the message that you’re full.

3. Contribute a nutritious dish (or serve them if you’re hosting)

If you’re taking a plate to a function, or are hosting at your home, serve dishes that are nutritious – homemade dips with veggies sticks, nuts and seeds, salads, roasted veggies, lean meat dishes, fresh seafood, a big fruit platter for dessert.

4. Pack snacks

If you’re out for a while (such as trying to get all your shopping done in one go!), pack a snack to take with you. Some nuts or a banana will serve you better for morning tea instead of a slice of banana bread with your coffee.

5. Drink right

Make sure that you stay well hydrated during the festive season. With the increased consumption of alcoholic beverages, it is easy to become dehydrated. Drinking lots of water with alcohol (try to alternate between water and that glass of wine) also helps with the dreaded hangover.

6. Enjoy yourself! Eat what you want.

Now, this is tricky. Eat because your body tells you that you want it, not eat everything because it’s there and because it’s Christmas. Listen to your body. If it’s telling you that you would love some of that amazing shortbread that your aunty made, then eat that and enjoy eating it. But skip the fruit mince tarts if they’re not your favourite and you wouldn’t miss it if you didn’t have it.

Also remember that Christmas is only one day of the year. If you don’t get caught up in all the pre-Christmas festivities, you should be able to enjoy your day without feeling guilty.

If you would like to speak with Hayley or our other clinical staff please contact the Australian Menopause Centre on 1300 883 405 or complete the online form and we will call you!