21/12/2025
Stay jolly & feel good this festive season: balance, not perfection.
professional advice from our nutritionist Charm Elakil
If you wish to enjoy the celebrations and support your wellbeing, here are a few simple, feel-good choices for you
Hydrate as you celebrate - For every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water. It helps you feel fresher, supports digestion, and keeps energy levels steady.
Slow down & savour - Chew your food well and enjoy every bite. Eating mindfully helps prevent that overly full feeling and makes festive meals more satisfying.
Eat before you drink - Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach. Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juice.
Make fruit easy - Keep bowls of satsumas, grapes, or berries near the sweets – when it is visible, you are more likely to choose it.
Let veg shine - Lightly steam or gently roast vegetables to keep them colourful and full of flavour. Add zing with dressings made from lemon or lime, olive oil, herbs, garlic, and a splash of vinegar.
Finish with fresh herbs - Generously add herbs such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, mint, or coriander. They lift flavour, add freshness and colour, and can help meals feel lighter and easier to digest.
Pause before pudding - Wait about an hour after meals before reaching for festive pudding. Your body needs time to register fullness.
Snack with balance - Mix nuts and dried fruit and place them alongside festive sweets for a nourishing, indulgent-feeling option.
Sip between meals - large drinks with meals can slow digestion, so sip lightly and hydrate in between.
Eat the rainbow - Fill your plate with colourful vegetables for fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Charm Elakil, BSc (Hons), MNIMH, D.N.N
Medical Herbalist | Natural Nutrition Practitioner | Wellbeing Coach
M: 07963478108
