How to Eat Healthy Over Christmas, Avoid Weight Gain & Still Enjoy Festive Food

You can stay healthy over Christmas by planning balanced meals, keeping portions moderate, staying hydrated, prioritising protein and fibre, and choosing your favourite treats mindfully. Enjoy festive food guilt-free by mixing indulgent dishes with lighter options, staying active daily, and avoiding grazing between meals

Christmas is the glorious season of twinkly lights, questionable jumpers, and food that mysteriously appears everywhere you turn. And yes—you can enjoy it all without piling on the pounds or spending January regretting every mince pie. Here’s how to stay healthy, have fun, and keep your waistline (and sanity) intact.

1. Choose Organic Whenever Possible

When you’re loading up the trolley for Christmas dinner, go organic. Higher nutrient density, fewer nasties, and far better quality. Everything from your fruit and veg to your crisps, chocolate, and even booze has an organic option these days. Yes—organic wine counts. Consider it a festive miracle.

2. Go for Free-Range Turkey, Chicken, or White Salmon

If you’re serving meat, free-range is the top choice—better welfare, better taste, better for your body.
And if you fancy fish, choose white salmon over pink. It’s cleaner, leaner, and a solid festive alternative if turkey isn’t your thing.

3. Try a Short Fast Before the Big Day

Doing a 16–24 hour fast before Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day can help you enjoy your food without stressing about calories. Think of it as giving your digestive system a head start before the culinary marathon begins.

**4. Yes, You Can Exercise Over Christmas**

Gyms might be closed, but your body isn’t.

A few ideas:

A long winter walk
Zone exercise
Tai Chi
Simple bodyweight exercises at home

There’s always time for movement—no need to transform into a festive couch potato. Wrap up, head outside, and earn that Christmas pudding.

5. Smarter Alcohol Choices

Santa isn’t the only one with a belly full of goodies… alcohol can add up fast.

Here’s the trick:

Beers & wines = high-calorie troublemakers
Spirits (shorts) = lower-calorie friendly elves

Enjoy a “drinky-poo” if you want one—just pick strategically.

6. Eat Good Fats to Control Hunger

Healthy fats help keep cravings at bay:

Avocado
Nuts
Organic cheese
Olive oil

They’ll stop you raiding the tin of Celebrations like a festive burglar.

7. Don’t Become a Food Dictator

Christmas isn’t the time to be a “food Hitler.” Enjoy the favourites, savour the flavours, and don’t guilt-trip yourself over a slice of pudding. Just make smart choices and balance indulgence with activity.

8. Move the Day Of—or the Day After

If you eat big, simply move more.
A walk, a home workout, or even some stretching can stop excess calories settling in for a long winter’s nap.

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Final Word

Enjoy Christmas. Eat well. Move a bit. Drink smart. And don’t punish yourself for celebrating—it’s called the festive season for a reason.

If you want help getting back on track in the New Year—or staying in control through December—get in touch

Kickstart your New Year! Book Scott for personal training in London and get a tailored plan to reach your fitness goals.
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How to Eat Healthy Over Christmas, And Not Get Fat at all Guaranteed