Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Health

How to maintain a healthy diet this Christmas

According to a dietitian. - by Laura Barry
  • 12 Dec 2019

WATCH: Healthy foods you need to eat as you age

The festive season is a time for indulgence; indulging in beautiful food, sweets, festive tipples, generous gifts and parties. Unfortunately, it’s these very things that make it so hard to stick to a healthy diet throughout Christmas.

Lucky for us, Consulting dietitian at Entity Health, Teri Lichtenstein, has some excellent and easy advice for maintaining a healthy balance throughout the holidays.

1. Be aware of your alcohol consumption

“As the social calendar fills up, our alcohol intake rises. While it’s great to celebrate with friends over a glass of bubbles, it can be easy to over-consume alcohol, so plan your strategies for social functions,” says Teri.

“This may include drinking a glass of mineral water in between every alcoholic drink, or driving to a function to ensure you stay well below the limit. If you plan to enjoy a tipple or two, plan ahead and take a supplement that helps your liver metabolise alcohol more effectively, such as supplements that contain Hovenia dulcis and thiamine, two key ingredients that can help reduce the effects of a hangover.”

2. Remember portion control

“When chatting to friends and family at Christmas parties, it can be easy to forget how much food you’re eating. Manage portions by taking a moment to add food to your plate before you join the party conversation. This way, you can concentrate on making sure you have enough to satisfy your appetite, without eating mindlessly. Opt for small side plates as an extra strategy to manage portion control.”

roast chicken table christmas
Getty

3. Consider energy-boosting supplements

“The time leading up to Christmas is frantic for most people. It’s peak social season and many of us lack energy by end of the year. Maintain energy levels and ensure you don’t suffer burn out by supplementing your diet with an energy-boosting supplement that contains nicotinamide, which has been shown to increase energy levels.”

 4. Eat the colours of the rainbow

“One of the best ways you can stay healthy over Christmas is by ensuring your diet contains lots of different coloured vegetables. Not only will these highly-nutritious foods help to keep your body healthy, but they are also low in kilojoules and high in fibre, so will keep you fuller for longer and help to minimise excessive weight gain.”

christmas gingerbread cookies
Getty

5. Accept that some indulgence is normal

“Too many of us fall into the trap where we have enjoyed delicious food while eating with friends and family, only to experience post-Christmas guilt and restrictive eating. Plenty of research has shown that diets don’t work in the long term. Instead, acknowledge that the Christmas period will include some indulgence, but this can be managed so you don’t go overboard. And when the new year rolls around, focus on getting back to regular healthy eating and exercise without severe restriction.”

Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

{headline}

{headline}

The 5 essential nutrients a new vegan is most likely to forget

The 5 essential nutrients a new vegan is most likely to forget

Study finds soft drinks can increase your risk of dying young

Study finds soft drinks can increase your risk of dying young

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

{headline}

{headline}

A nutritionist reveals the truth about 5 hot new diet trends

A nutritionist reveals the truth about 5 hot new diet trends

7 healthy lunch suggestions that will beat the afternoon slump

7 healthy lunch suggestions that will beat the afternoon slump

These are the hot new health food trends for 2019

These are the hot new health food trends for 2019

Take care of your mental health by eating these four foods

Take care of your mental health by eating these four foods

Less than 1 in 10 Australians eat enough vegetables

Less than 1 in 10 Australians eat enough vegetables

10 tips for sticking to your diet

10 tips for sticking to your diet

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription