And the party begins.
Christmas can be magical—but it can also feel like a minefield if you're trying to stick to healthier habits. After a chat with one of my amazing clients, who’s made incredible progress with food and fitness, and was concerned about how to stay healthy this Christmas, I felt inspired.
Here's how to navigate the festive season without guilt, overindulgence, or regret so you can get to January feeling confident and still on track to hitting your goals.
The Conflict of Christmas
If you’ve been trying to improve your health lately, this time of year can be a real challenge.
The temptation is to just press the "fuck-it" button and worry about all the health stuff again in January. Which, inevitably, is what most people do and what leads to a whole bunch of diet-culture vultures ready and waiting to swoop in and prey on the guilt and the feeling you have to fix the damage that has been done.
Here’s the dilemma
You want to enjoy yourself because you absolutely deserve it. After all, it is Christmas.
But wouldn’t it also be amazing to wake up on January 1st feeling fresh, without that heavy, gorged feeling— having enjoyed Christmas without guilt and without the daunting task of compensating for all the overindulgences?
Perhaps this year you’ve been working on getting fitter, eating better, or drinking less. And while you absolutely want to relax, enjoy some tipples, and savor delicious treats with loved ones, pressing that "fuck-it" button might mean starting January feeling sluggish, bloated, and disappointed in yourself.
I’ve been there! I’ve felt that tug-of-war between indulging in the moment and sticking to the progress I’ve worked so hard for. In the past, I would have mindlessly binged on all the food and then have to take myself off to bed for a lie down at 3pm becasue I felt so bloated and sick. Essentially ruining the day for me.
But I get it! In those moments, it’s so hard to remember the person you want to be in the future. Especially when you’ve got family members shoving snacks in front of you, left, right and centre. A seemingly never ending conveyor belt of food and drink passing under your nose.
But here’s the good news: there is a way to get through the party season feeling fulfilled, enjoying all the things you love, while still keeping Future You in mind.
My Top Tip: Ask Yourself, “If I Say Yes to This, What Am I Saying No To?”
Every choice has a cost—it’s about understanding what that cost is and whether it’s worth it to you. It’s about having Future You in mind
Let me give some examples:
Food Choices: If I say yes to all the little nibbles and finger foods before the big meal, I’m saying no to truly savouring my favourite bit (mine’s the mince pie) that I look forward to every year. So, I skip the nibbles—because that mince pie is 100% worth it to me.
Drinks: If I say yes to a third cocktail, I’m saying no to a peaceful night’s sleep and waking up feeling energised enough to enjoy Boxing Day with my family. Instead, I’ll have two cocktails and switch to sparkling water.
Exercise: If I say yes to lounging all day in my PJ’s, I’m saying no to the invigorating post-lunch walk that helps me digest food, clears my mind and stops me falling asleep and missing out on special times. A 20-minute stroll is a perfect compromise. Or if the PJs are staying on, then a fun, post-dinner dance-off to get the blood moving and faces smiling could do the trick.
Rest & Recovery: Back to back parties can be exhausting, especially if you’re the host or you’re travelling around. Schedule in a day where you can reset and have some time to yourself to recharge.
Allowing Space for What Matters
This isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. Mindfulness during the holidays allows you to savour the things that truly matter—whether it’s that one perfect glass of mulled wine, your favorite Christmas pudding, or simply being present with loved ones.
And, I totally get it: Christmas can also be a really difficult time of year for many. It can bring up challenging emotions that make sticking to long-term health goals feel harder than usual. It’s okay to acknowledge these challenges while still keeping your goals in mind.
In the words of James Clear: “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become”
Essentially, what shapes you are the habits you practice consistently over time. A single indulgent day shouldn’t derail you, but Christmas is also a good time to practice balance, keeping Future You in mind.
By focusing on what matters most, you’re not just enjoying the season more —you’re building the foundation for starting the new year feeling good and a healthier, happier year ahead.
The Payoff
Imagine waking up on January 1st, slipping into your favorite jeans (comfortably!), and realising you don’t need to launch into a punishing detox or fitness regime.
You feel proud of yourself—not just for sticking to your goals but for proving to yourself that you can fully enjoy the season without losing sight of what’s important.
So this Christmas, remember: it’s not about saying “no” to everything—it’s about saying “yes” to the things that truly matter to you, and to Future You.
Let’s toast to that! 🥂