There’s a moment every year, usually in late November, when the diary flips from calm to chaos. Christmas parties pop up, work drinks multiply, dinners appear out of nowhere, and suddenly “silly season” feels like its own personality.
And for many of us, this is exactly when the annual routine begins: a big lunch turns into a late dinner, which turns into a night of drinks, eventually followed by that all-too-familiar thought, “Oh well, it’s December. I’ll start again in January.”
But here’s the thing: the festive season is about so much more than the food.
It’s the connection, the traditions, the culture, the memories, and the little moments of joy you’ll still be talking about years later. It was never the pavlova or the champagne that threw you off, it was the belief that once the festivities begin, everything else has to go out the window.
You don’t have to choose between enjoying the season and looking after yourself. There is a gentle middle ground, and it’s easier than you think. That’s why we’ve asked Certified Nutritionist Heidi Rose to share her best tips for mindful eating so you can embrace the festive season with joy, balance, and zero guilt attached.
When Things Start to Feel ‘Too Much’
Most people assume December is chaotic because of all the eating out. But the truth is: It’s not the events themselves, it’s what happens in between them.
Those normal days where you:
- Skip meals
- Graze all afternoon
- Abandon your usual anchors
- Say “I’ll deal with it in January”
This is where the spiral begins. Keeping even a bit of structure around the celebrations is what brings everything back into balance.
A Simple Shift: Don’t Skip Meals
One of the biggest festive-season traps is the idea of “saving calories” for an event later in the day. It may seem logical, but in reality, skipping meals almost always works against you.
Turning up to an event on an empty stomach often leads to:
- Eating faster than usual
- Intense sugar cravings
- Overeating without realising
- Feeling out of control around food
Instead, keeping your day steady makes all the difference. If you’ve got a dinner or festive event planned later on, a balanced lead-up might look like this:
- Your normal breakfast
- Your normal lunch, or a slightly lighter option paired with a balanced snack like fruit, yoghurt, nuts, or a smoothie with Happy Way Protein Powder.
Showing up to an event feeling nourished rather than depleted completely changes the experience. You’re calmer, more grounded, more mindful, and far more in tune with what your body actually wants.
The Quiet Balance Between Events
This is the part no one talks about — but it’s what truly shapes how you feel in December.
On the quieter days:
- Add protein, colour, fibre, and whole grains to keep your energy up.
- Order a side of veggies when eating out.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, and if you want something light and refreshing in the summer heat, Happy Way’s Protein Water can be a tasty alternative to your usual drink.
- Give your meals a little structure so your body knows what to expect.
And if you want the schnitzel, pasta, pizza, or dessert? Have it, enjoy it slowly, and give yourself permission.
Alcohol: Choose What Aligns with your Values (not what's expected)
The pressure to drink at every event is real, but you’re allowed to choose how you want your December to feel.
Before each event, ask yourself: “Do I actually want to drink tonight?” Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s no. Sometimes it’s “just one.” Choose what aligns with your values, goals and how you want to feel the next day.
How to Let Go of the Guilt
Guilt has a way of turning a single moment into an entire story: “I shouldn’t have eaten that. I’ve ruined my day. I’ll start again on Monday.” But guilt itself is rarely the real problem, it’s the story we attach to the food.
Instead of spiralling, try getting curious with yourself. Ask questions like: Was I starving because I skipped meals? Was I overwhelmed or out of routine? Did this choice align with how I actually want to feel? Did I enjoy it, or was I eating on autopilot?
This isn’t about criticism, it's about understanding. If something didn’t align with your values, take a moment to write it down, reflect on it, and remind yourself: “There is always a next time, and next time I can try something different.”
Coming Back to your Every Day Routine
You don’t need to “fix” anything the next day, just reconnect with habits that help you feel good. These are not “fixes”, they’re gentle anchors that help you feel like yourself again.
Add colour + antioxidants
- Extra veggies
- A side salad
- A scoop of Happy Way Greens Powder added to water or smoothie for an easy way to include more plant-based ingredients
Add variety with reds
- Happy Way Reds Powder can be a refreshing, flavourful option on warmer days or when you want something different to your usual choices.
Eat your normal breakfast
- Eggs + greens
- Yoghurt + fruit
- Smoothie with Happy Way Protein Powder
Upgrade your snacks
- Fruit
- Nuts
- Yoghurt
- A smoothie with Happy Way Protein Powder
The Final Takeaway
A balanced approach isn’t built on rules, it’s built on simple awareness. It’s about enjoying the moment, savouring your food, making intentional choices, and offering yourself compassion.The festive season isn’t meant to be survived; it’s meant to be enjoyed. With a little mindfulness and self-kindness, you can fully enjoy your experiences while still looking after yourself.
With love, Heidi xx
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical or nutritional advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescribed medications.