While it might be the season to be jolly and enjoy bumper size boxes of chocolates, mince pies and sweets, it doesn't mean you have to succumb to the Christmas sugar rush!
The holidays can be synonymous with sweet treats and indulgence, but it is possible to enjoy the festivities without overwhelming your taste buds with an excess of sugar.
Plan Ahead with Healthy Alternatives: Start your holiday preparations by planning a menu that incorporates some healthier alternatives to traditional sugary treats. Get creative in the kitchen by cooking with your kids and find new recipes for classic Christmas treats. Experiment with recipes that use natural ingredients and reduce the overall sugar content.
Out of Sight – keep chocolates, crisps and sweets tucked out of sight, and instead have bowls of fruit and nuts in easy reach on the kitchen counter which are easy for you and your kids to snack on.
Savour what you eat: Ask your kids to tell you about the food that they’re eating and can they guess which chocolate or sweet they’re eating without looking – make taking your time to eat meals and snacks more fun.
Mindful Portion Control: Enjoying your favourite Christmas treats doesn't mean you have to overindulge. Avoid having second helpings and find interesting ways to use up leftovers so that you don’t feel obliged to finish up everything that’s been prepared.
Drink lots of water – staying hydrated is key to helping deal with hunger pangs for both kids and adults.
Incorporate Physical Activity: Counterbalance the extra calories from holiday treats by incorporating physical activity into your festivities. Organize family walks, play outdoor games - activity not only burns calories but also boosts your mood and energy levels.
Create a Balanced Plate: When filling your plate (or your children’s), aim for a balance of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains alongside your favourite festive foods. This balanced approach can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent the sudden spikes associated with excessive sugar consumption.
Make sure everyone gets enough sleep: we crave sweet foods more when we’re tired for the boost to our energy levels so make sure to take time to rest, maybe watch a movie as a family with a huge bowl of homemade popcorn (no sugar added) and don’t try to do too much (easier said than done sometimes).
This Christmas, savour the fun of the season without over doing the sugary foods and sweets, by planning ahead, incorporating some healthier alternatives, so you can relax and have a restful holiday season. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and delicious Christmas!
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