How To Have A Healthy Christmas (And Still Have Fun!)

Does the thought of Christmas ham, turkey with stuffing, and a plateful of pavlova make your mouth water… and your waistband feel a little snug? 

Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and, of course, plenty of food. But as delicious as it all is, overindulging in festive goodies can sometimes undo all the hard work you’ve done all year. Not to mention leaving you as stuffed and uncomfortable as that roast turkey! 

No need to worry: we’ve got some Christmas health tips to help you enjoy the holiday treats without going overboard. You can celebrate to the fullest and still keep those extra calories in check!

Healthy alternatives for Christmas fare

The great thing about Christmas in the summer is that we can forego the usual hearty dishes. Start by swapping the traditional roast dinner for a summer barbecue. Yes, barbecue can be healthy! Grilling or smoking your meat and veggies is a great way to reduce saturated fat. Buy leaner cuts of meat or trim the excess fat off before cooking, go easy on the oil, and your arteries will thank you.
And go heavy on the salads! (hold the potato-mayo versions). Leafy greens, fresh tomatoes, spring onions, broccoli, beetroot, and dozens of other veggies are ripe for the picking this time of year. And while we’d never tell you to skip to pavlova, you can cut back on the sugar content by replacing the chocolate sprinkles with fresh berries.

Burn off the Christmas goodies

Make the most of your Christmas break from the office and get out in the fresh air! The Kiwi summer is made for beach volleyball, backyard cricket, bush walks, and pretty much every water-based activity invented. Whether you’re new to exercise or a regular fitness fanatic, don’t use the holiday as an excuse to slack off: the benefits of keeping active over the silly season go well beyond just burning calories. Exercise can help to relieve the stress caused by all that planning, cooking, and shopping. Physical activity is also a great way to take time out for yourself - which is very important during this hectic time! Balance out the madness of Christmas shopping (and/or partying) by going for a walk, doing some beach yoga, or hitting the gym. And don’t skip the workout on the big day itself! Build up an appetite for Christmas lunch with a morning run, or burn it all off the next with a Boxing Day hike. 

Get onto a healthy eating plan

If the idea of “going keto” during the most indulgent time of year sounds impossible, you need to know about the LAZU 21 Day Challenge. This kit has everything you need to get on track for the first three weeks of your keto journey, including Keto Max, a dietary ketone supplement that contains beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to support your body’s ability to utilize fat instead of carbs. Then there’s the Keto Shake meal replacement powder to support your nutritional needs, plus BioRestore, which contains electrolytes and probiotics to support energy production and gut health. With chocolate or vanilla flavour to choose from, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on Christmas! Each kit includes a free set of Ketone Test Strips to help you keep track of your progress. 

Cravings and compulsive eating can become even more of a struggle at Christmastime. If you’re finding it difficult to control your sweet (or savoury) tooth, check out SLIMFIT Appetite Reducer. Made with a proprietary blend of dietary fibres, SlimFit is designed to support healthy portion control and appetite. 

Go easy on the liquor 

Cutting back on the wine or beer - or skipping it altogether - can shave a few hundred calories off your daily intake (which makes you feel a little less guilty about that second helping of trifle!)

And although booze and barbecues often go hand in hand, drinking large amounts of alcohol in the hot weather is a fast track to dehydration and a hangover. So - go for a juice, a mocktail, or an alcohol-free wine or beer. Better yet, go for an Artemis Detox tea! This delicious tea is made with traditional herbs to support regular liver detoxification, normal cholesterol levels and healthy bowel function and regularity.

But if there’s a chance that the bevvies will get the better of you, keep a pack of Hundy on hand. This innovative Kiwi-made product is derived from 100% natural ingredients including the Chinese herbal extract DHM, which has been used for centuries to support liver health. Hundy is designed to support the body’s natural detoxification and recovery process after enjoying a few tipples.

Support your digestion

All that ham, trifle, and cream left you feeling as stuffed as the turkey? ‘Tis the season for digestive health supplements! Digestive enzymes can be taken at the beginning of a meal to support the breakdown of carbs, proteins, and fats. Nutralife Digestive Enzymes provides broad spectrum digestive support for key macronutrients plus lactose (the sugar in milk), as well as ginger and peppermint to ease bloating and gas.

Speaking of digestion - how’s your gut microbiome? The excesses of Christmas can take a toll on your gut bacteria, which can then impact your mood, immune function, and energy levels. But a little care and attention in advance can make all the difference. BIOGLAN Platinum Probiotics 20 Billion contains 11 beneficial probiotic strains to support healthy digestion and regularity, and healthy immune function. 

Another handy tool in your digestion support kit this Christmas is aloe vera juice. The gel of the aloe vera plant contains plant phytonutrients and other active components that act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of gut bacteria while soothing the lining of the stomach and intestines. Aloe vera juice can also provide natural blood sugar support, helping to keep those cravings at bay. 

Give the gift of good health

Nothing says “I love you” like the gift of good health! Think outside the box this Yuletide and give your loved ones something to support their energy and vitality. After all, this is the time of year when an extra dose of antioxidants can help to ward off the damaging effects of fun and festivities. GO Healthy GO Chaga Mushroom Antioxidant contains high-strength Chaga mushroom, a potent antioxidant renowned in traditional Chinese practice for supporting the body’s natural defences against free radical damage. 

Christmas can be so much more enjoyable without the struggle against festive overindulgence. A few simple changes to the usual fare - and to how you burn it off - might be all you need. Bargain Chemist is here to keep you on the “nice list” with wellness essentials that help you sleigh the season and feel your best!

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.  Weight management products should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise.