Your guide to making healthier choices this Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, fun and connection —but it can also be challenging to maintain balance. From festive roast dinners and Christmas buffets, this time of year is to be enjoyed but for many, can be overwhelming.

The good news is you don’t have to miss out on the fun! Here’s your guide on how to stay healthy and feel good at Christmas.

Balance fun with smart choices

The key to staying healthy at Christmas is balance. You can enjoy your favourite foods while still making mindful decisions:

• Try to include lean protein sources in your meal
• Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables
• Snack on seasonal fruits like clementines or nuts between meals.

Portion sizes

Eating portion sizes suitable for you is a simple yet effective way to stay healthy at Christmas. To find out what amount of food you should be eating, visit the NHS Eatwell Guide.

Stay active

Keeping active is an excellent way to feel good during the festive period.

• Go for a walk to see the Christmas lights
• Organise fun games like a snowball fight, a dance-off, or charades to get everyone moving
• Take a visit to one of our outdoor gyms at your local park.

Watch what you drink

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week (about six pints of lager or a bottle and a half of wine). Here are some of our top tips to help you deal with drinking over Christmas.

• Try drinking low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks
• Pace yourself by drinking slowly and remember you don’t have to join in with every round of drinks
• Make your own hot drinks with less sugar and plenty of seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Prioritise self-care

Staying healthy at Christmas isn’t just about food—it’s also about managing stress and getting enough rest.

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule,
• Take time for self-care, whether it’s a relaxing bath, a quiet moment with a book, or a short meditation session,

Manage Christmas stress by focusing on connecting with others.

Don’t aim for perfection

Staying healthy at Christmas doesn’t mean being perfect. The goal is to enjoy your time whilst making choices that support your wellbeing.

If you’re struggling this Christmas, there is support available. Find mental health support and eating well advice on our website.