Festive Feasting
Eating Well During the Festive Season
Most of us pick up a little extra weight over the year, and the festive season is when it tends to creep in the most. Suddenly you’re having more chips and dips, an extra drink or two, fried food platters, work events, family gatherings, and yes, the pavlova always looks good.
There’s no need to pull back on end-of-year catch ups or holidays. You can still enjoy everything and keep your health goals on track. The key is simple. Fill up on foods that keep you full. Vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are rich in fibre, which slows digestion, supports steadier energy, and helps you stay satisfied.
A proactive approach helps. Start meals with vegetables, salads, whole grains, and legumes. When you fill up on these foods first, it becomes easier to manage the extras and avoid drifting into too much indulgence. You’re also less likely to snack mindlessly later.
Easy ways to add more plants
Add a can of chickpeas or lentils to salads, soups, or pasta. Their protein and fibre help keep you full.
Swap white rice for quinoa, barley, or brown rice. Fibre boosts GLP-1, a hormone that helps increase fullness.
Keep chopped veggies with hummus or salsa ready for snacking. A simple plan makes healthier choices easier.
Boost oats or yoghurt with fruit, chia, or hemp seeds. A solid breakfast helps reduce snacking later.
Make the most of summer fruits with a full fruit bowl or fruit salads. Fruit satisfies sweet cravings naturally.
Smarter picks at parties
Roasted veggies, veggie skewers, or grain salads.
Hummus or bean dips with veggie sticks.
Fruit platters or fruit-based desserts.
Nuts or olives in small handfuls.
Rice paper rolls with tofu and fresh vegetables.
Filling up with colourful plant foods is an effective way to enjoy the festive season while still feeling good in your body. You’ll stay more balanced, maintain your energy, and keep your health goals moving in the right direction.
Jane Freeman, ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre Dietitian runs weekly nutrition and cooking classes that share lots of creative food and nutrition tips and tricks. Classes are run in Jacaranda Lodge and are open to Sydney Adventist Hospital staff and patients.
To book, or for more information, please call ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre on (02) 9480 6140, email elialmc@sah.org.au
