5 Ways To Be Festive & Healthy

Feeling overwhelmed by end of year celebrations?

Feel like it’s inevitable that you’ll cave and indulge in sugary "treats" at every Christmas and New Year’s gathering?

Take a deep breath.

You can navigate this festive period with calm and control, staying true to your health goals without missing out on the joy of celebration.

Here are five practical strategies to help you sail through social functions while keeping your metabolic health on track.

#1 Be the Bringer of Delicious Alternatives

Transform the buffet table by bringing your own festive, low-carb dishes. An antipasto platter bursting with colourful vegetables, cured meats, and cheeses can be a crowd-pleaser. Or wow your friends with a decadent low-carb white chocolate cheesecake. By contributing these options, you ensure there’s always something delicious and health-conscious for you to enjoy!

#2 Pre-Game with Protein

When you know the event will be a minefield of sugary and processed snacks, eat a satisfying meal before you go. Fill up on protein and healthy fats to curb your appetite and strengthen your resolve. This simple act can make avoiding those mince pies and chocolate santas much, much easier, allowing you to focus on the company rather than the temptations.

#3 Navigate the Spread Strategically

Don’t feel obligated to eat everything on offer. It’s perfectly acceptable to eat selectively:

• Eat the toppings off a pizza and discard the crust.... yes really.
• Enjoy the meat and salad at a barbecue while passing on the bread.
• Coin the term “carbage” for the high-carb items you’re avoiding. What do you do with "carbage"? - chuck it in the bin!

#4 Stand Firm Against Food Pressure

Prepare for well-meaning but misguided attempts to push you into eating foods you’d rather avoid. Remember, eating is not a team sport. Your body, your choice.

Practice a polite but firm response:

“No thanks, it looks amazing, but it just doesn’t agree with me.”

This simple statement acknowledges the offer while clearly establishing your boundary.

#5 Visualise Your Success

Before attending an event, take a moment for mental rehearsal. Picture yourself confidently navigating the food table, engaging in conversations without focusing on snacks, and leaving the party feeling proud of your choices. This visualisation can significantly boost your ability to stick to your plan when faced with real-life temptations.

By implementing these simple yet powerful strategies, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your health goals.

You have the power to make choices that align with your well-being, even amidst the holiday cheer.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, and empowered celebration!

With love and great health

Dr Lucy and Dr Mary XX

PS: If you need a snack we highly recommend the humble boiled egg (unless you have an egg allergy of course). It is packed with protein, some healthy fat, a myriad of vitamins and minerals and will keep you full. It really is "Nature's little vitamin pill"

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!