84 Burnett St Bundaberg
The festive season often begins in November with the flurry of Christmas parties and stretches on for weeks. While this time of celebration can bring joy, it can also place extra strain on our bodies—especially our digestion, sleep, and overall wellbeing. A little mindfulness and some gentle self-care can go a long way in keeping you feeling vibrant and balanced through the holidays.
Here are our health tips for the festive season!
Make time for mindful movement, ideally outdoors. Take a walk with your loved ones after a festive meal to help support digestion and clear your mind. A post-lunch stroll on the beach or around your neighbourhood to admire the Christmas lights is a wonderful way to connect with nature, promote circulation, and reduce stress.
Engage in some light, fun family activities, like backyard cricket or a swim in the pool, to keep the energy flowing. Even gifting the kids sporting equipment can be a lovely way to get everyone moving together—just keep it joyful and don’t overdo it.
Are you eating simply because food is there? Our stomachs are only about the size of our fist, so be mindful of portion sizes and don’t eat beyond the point of comfortable fullness. Take a moment to put down your cutlery and check in with how your body feels. Slow down, savour each bite, and appreciate the flavours and textures of your food.
When we eat mindfully, we are more likely to make healthier choices and prevent overeating. Allow yourself to truly enjoy the experience of eating, rather than rushing through meals.
During the festive season, it’s easy to get swept up in all the delicious treats. However, it's important to balance indulgence with nourishment. Focus on fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables as the base of your meals, reduce carbohydrates and incorporate high-quality protein sources. Limit processed foods and refined sugars, and opt for treats made from whole, natural ingredients whenever possible.
When faced with a spread of food, take a moment to assess what you truly want to enjoy. If something is readily available year-round, it might be better to skip it in favour of something truly special. When possible, choose organic produce to minimise your toxic load and support your health.
Here are our favourite healthy Christmas recipes:
Half Shell Scallops with Herbs
Rolled Turkey with Quinoa Cranberry Stuffing
Jamie's Pork Belly Roast (the other Jamie!)
Roasted Baby Carrots with Pistachio and Hummus
Baby Potato Salad with Mint Yoghurt Dressing
Chocolate Fudge Cake Wreath with Berries
Gluten Free Cardamom and Rosewater Shortbread
To support your digestion at times of indulgence, make sure you are adding in probiotic and prebiotic foods like Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kombucha or take supplemental probiotics and digestive support.
Proper hydration is key to maintaining energy, reducing cravings, and supporting digestion. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day, especially in warmer weather. This simple habit will keep you feeling refreshed and curb unnecessary snacking.
Try swapping sugary beverages for sparkling mineral water with fresh lemon or lime—both refreshing and alkalising for the body. If you choose to drink alcohol, be mindful to intersperse it with water to keep your hydration levels in balance.
The holiday season can bring stress, which may affect sleep quality and lead to emotional eating. Be proactive about managing stress by carving out time for yourself each day. Practice simple self-care rituals, whether it’s a warm bath with soothing herbs, a few moments of deep breathing, or a walk.
Remember, it’s okay to say no to social obligations if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Giving yourself permission to rest and recharge is vital for maintaining balance. Prioritise sleep, and aim for consistent rest each night to keep your energy levels steady.
Spend time in nature to recharge and do things you enjoy.
Trish, our naturopath recommends the following to help support you during the silly season. Passionflower, Zizyphus, Chamomile, Magnolia Bark, Lavender, Withania, Ginseng, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin B complex, Magnesium and L-Theanine. A personalised blend can be made up for you if required.
After the holiday season, consider giving your body and digestive system some time to reset. Keeping meals light, simple, and nutrient-dense for a few weeks will allow your gut to recover from the heavier festive foods.
A gentle detox can also support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, helping to clear any excess toxins.
To support your immune system and overall vitality, consider integrating high-quality herbs and supplements into your daily routine. Herbal teas such as echinacea, ginger, or peppermint can provide gentle support for digestion and immunity.
Acupuncture or other forms of holistic care can help keep your body aligned, reduce stress, and maintain balance throughout the holiday season. Supporting your body from within will ensure you stay well and vibrant.
We can help you stay healthy over the festive season and afterwards! Make an appointment with Trish or Jamie at our Bundaberg clinic, online here or call us on (07) 41522372.
Have a happy festive season!
