The festive season is synonymous with indulgence, and it’s not just us mere mortals who can’t resist the siren call of mince pies and pigs in blankets.
It turns out that even nutrition experts, those guardians of good health, allow themselves to enjoy the culinary delights of Christmas without too much guilt.
But how do they manage to bounce back after a month of festive feasting? Let’s unwrap the secrets of nutritionists who navigate the holiday season with both joy and health in mind.
Dr Lindsey Smith Taillie, an associate professor of nutrition, emphasises that the occasional indulgence is not a concern compared to another dietary concern that experts like her have been sounding the alarm on.
‘In general, the concern is less about people eating rich foods on special occasions than it is the fact that we have very high levels of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat in our everyday diets,’ she said.
‘In other words, from a nutritional perspective, I wouldn’t [worry] about enjoying some chocolate or sausage on Christmas, ultra-processed or not,’ she continued.
‘Occasional treats can be part of a healthy diet. They’re also how we can show love and express our culture and identity.’
Not yet fully convinced that it’s okay to be a little loose on Christmas? Here’s another nutritionist with a rather relatable confession.
‘What I do is I buy quite a lot of pre-prepared, some of it will be ultra-processed, Christmas food— the tinfoil trays of potatoes and veg and the sprouts with the bacon—and I take it out of its containers the night before and put it in ceramic, and then I put it in the oven and tell my family that I cooked it,’ said Dr Chris van Tulleken, author and advocate for tackling ultra-processed foods.
‘It saves me a massive amount of time. Everyone loves it and I actually spend time with my family on Christmas Day.’
While calling for better policies and changes against ultra-processed foods, Dr van Tulleken is also among those who say people shouldn’t be made to feel guilty over something they don’t really have any control over.
‘You can change how you vote, you can change what you campaign for, but you can’t change the air you breathe off your own bat, or the house you live in, or the food you eat,’ he said.
Prof Giles Yeo of the University of Cambridge, an obesity expert, said our diets should be considered overall and not just by small instances of eating.
‘I think we should consider our diets as a whole, rather than for each individual meal, or period of time,’ he said. ‘So, yes, I should be indulging in peace, and so should everyone else.’
‘To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, everything in moderation, including moderation!’
So, what can we, take away from these nutritionists’ confessions and advice? Here are some tips for enjoying the festive season while maintaining our health:
1. Embrace the Celebration: Allow yourself to enjoy the festive foods you love without guilt. Remember, Christmas and the holiday season is a time for joy and making memories.
2. Balance is Key: Try to balance out richer meals with healthier ones in the days before and after Christmas. Incorporate more whole foods and consider taking extra walks or engaging in light exercise.
3. Make Healthy Choices Convenient: Keep a bowl of fresh fruit or vegetables on hand for snacking. When healthy options are more accessible, you’re more likely to choose them.
4. Plan for January: Consider how you can gently return to your regular eating habits in the new year. This might include setting realistic goals, restocking your pantry with wholesome ingredients, or seeking out new and exciting healthy recipes to try.
5. Enjoy in Moderation: Remember that moderation is the key to a balanced diet. It’s okay to indulge, but also know when it’s time to return to foods that nourish your body.
6. Stay Hydrated: Amid the festive drinks, remember to drink plenty of water. It’s essential for your overall health and can help you feel better if you overindulge.
7. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re full, it’s okay to say no to seconds or to skip the dessert.
Because it bears repeating: you can enjoy the festive season to the fullest while still taking care of your health. So go ahead, have that extra slice of Christmas pudding, and remember that a little indulgence is part of the holiday spirit.
How about you? What are your thoughts on holiday ‘indulgence’? Do you agree that it’s fine to let loose once in a while, or do you believe that even Christmas isn’t a valid excuse when staying healthy? Let us know below!
