Christmas is celebrated across all denominations of Christianity, and no Christmas celebration is complete without music, family, and of course, delicious food. But Christmas meals and parties don’t have to derail your progress with Calibrate. We’ve got some tips to help support you as you navigate the food pillar during this festive time. Let’s dig in:
- Follow “mostly good”. First things first: Allow yourself to celebrate Christmas with the traditional and celebratory foods you love (like a homemade Christmas cake or a piece of your grandmother’s lasagna that she only makes once a year). At Calibrate, nothing is entirely off limits; it’s all about balance. Just return to your normal the next morning. Consistency is way more important than perfection.
- Think beyond the triangle. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t know the color of every single item you put on your plate. The goal at Calibrate is to shift your broader eating patterns instead of micromanaging every single thing you eat, especially at the holidays.
- Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats on Christmas morning. Think back to your first food lesson: Overeating, or even “carb-loading,” first thing in the morning will flood your body with glucose, causing an overproduction of insulin leading to weight gain and energy loss. Start off with foods that are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy throughout the day. Try a Baked Berry Yogurt Custard or a Sheet Pan Veggie Breakfast Bake. And if your family has a longstanding favorite Christmas morning meal (like pancakes or a breakfast casserole), that’s perfectly fine too! Just make sure again, that you’ve got protein, fiber, and healthy fats in the mix.
- Snack smart. Whether you’re hosting or attending a Christmas gathering, plan to have a healthy protein-packed snack beforehand so you don’t find yourself making less than ideal food choices out of hunger. It can be as simple as fruit and almond butter, veggies and hummus, or even some nuts and cheese.
- Lean into green ingredients. Whether you celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve or not, try adding some seafood or shellfish (both green foods on the Calibrate Food Triangle) to your holiday menu. We especially like this Slow Roasted Salmon with Fennel and Citrus and this Halibut in Parchment with Tomatoes and Olives.
- Fill your plate once. Add a mixture of foods to your plate to give your body a variety of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Once you’re done, wait about 20 minutes to allow your stomach to signal to your brain as to whether or not you are full. If you’re truly still physically hungry (Is your stomach still rumbling?), go back for a small second helping.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Christmastime can be so busy that it’s easy to forget your water goal (to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day, up to 120 ounces). Make sure you’re drinking enough water so you don’t feel dizzy or distracted. Stock your fridge with water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, and grapefruit. Yogurt is also surprisingly hydrating as well. Bonus: all of these examples are also great natural sources of fiber too.
- Avoid the cookie crush. The Christmas season has become synonymous with cookies. Remember that the Calibrate food program is flexible, and you don’t need to completely deprive yourself. But if you do find your home filled with an abundance of cookies, try spreading the love: Bring a platter into work, your church, or a local shelter that accepts perishable donations.
- Savor the sweet. If you’ve been cutting back on your sweets during your Metabolic Reset thus far, your taste buds (and habits) may have changed since last year, and classic Christmas desserts may now seem too sweet. Listen to your body instead of eating something just because it’s what you expect yourself to do. Try something that’s packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, like these Roasted Spiced Pears with Walnuts or Tahini Date Energy Bites.
- Don’t feel forced to clear your plate. Many of us were raised with the “finish your plate” mantra and it can be a tough one to shake. Having a plan for leftovers (see below) can help combat feelings of guilt around food waste.
- Sharing is caring. If you’re hosting, stock up on take-away containers so family and friends can pack up leftovers. This is a great way to not only share the love, but to clear temptation out of the house.
- Stretch your legs. Recruit family and friends to take a short walk or spend some time outside after your meal. Is there snow where you live? Build a snowman with your family or walk to the local sledding hill. You can also do a quick walking tour of your neighborhood’s decorations. If the weather isn’t cooperating, find a creative indoor game or activity that gets you out of your chair.
- Give yourself grace: If you’re hosting, show yourself some kindness. Cooking a big meal with lots of people can be stressful: Know your boundaries and set yourself up for success by planning and prepping what you can ahead of time. And don’t be mad at yourself for tasting while you cook—someone’s got to!
Finally, remember that no matter where Christmas falls during your Metabolic Reset, Calibrate is here to support you. We’re in it together. Merry Christmas!