Christmas is a time for indulgence – mince pies, mulled wine, turkey with all the trimmings, and let’s not forget the tin of chocolates that seems to magically refill itself. But if you’ve spent the year working hard on your fitness and diet, you might be wondering how to enjoy the festive season without undoing all your progress.

Good news: it’s absolutely possible to embrace the Christmas cheer, enjoy the food and drink, and still stay on track. Here’s how.

1. Ditch the All-Or-Nothing Mindset

First things first, remember this: a big meal, one mince pie, or even a day of indulgence won’t ruin your progress. It’s what you do consistently that matters, not what happens between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Enjoy your favourite treats, and don’t feel guilty about it. The key is balance. Indulge in the things you truly love, and don’t feel pressured to eat something just because it’s there.

2. Prioritise the Foods You Love

Let’s be honest, not all Christmas food is created equal. You might love Christmas pudding but not care much for pigs in blankets, or you might savour a cheeseboard but feel indifferent about fruitcake.

Focus on the foods and drinks you genuinely enjoy, and skip the ones you’re not fussed about. By being picky with your indulgences, you can cut back on unnecessary calories while still feeling satisfied.

3. Stay Active (but Don’t Overdo It)

Christmas can, but doesn’t have to be, about sticking to your training regime. Instead, find ways to move your body that feel fun and festive. Go for a crisp winter walk, join a local festive park run, or have a boogie at the Christmas party.

Staying active can help you feel energised, balance out some of the extra calories, and boost your mood. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to “earn” your Christmas dinner. Exercise should be about enjoyment, not guilt.

4. Be Mindful with Booze

Christmas is full of opportunities to raise a glass, whether it’s champagne, mulled wine, or a cheeky Bailey’s by the fire. Alcohol can add up quickly calorie-wise, and it’s easy to overdo it when you’re in the festive spirit.

Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks to pace yourself and stay hydrated. You’ll enjoy the celebrations just as much (and probably thank yourself the next morning).

If you’re watching your calorie intake, lighter options like gin and slimline tonic or Prosecco are great choices.

5. Keep Portions Sensible

It’s tempting to pile your plate sky-high at multiple Christmas dinners, but you don’t need to deprive yourself to stay on track. Fill your plate with plenty of veg (roasted sprouts and carrots are stars of the show) and enjoy smaller portions of the richer foods like stuffing and gravy.

By slowing down and eating mindfully, you’ll savour each bite and avoid that overstuffed, uncomfortable feeling.

6. Plan Ahead for Big Events

If you know you’ve got a big festive dinner or party coming up, plan your day around it. Have a lighter breakfast and lunch with plenty of protein and veg to keep you full without overloading on calories.

That way, you can enjoy the evening’s indulgences guilt-free, knowing you’ve balanced things out earlier in the day.

7. Don’t Let One or Two Days Turn Into a Week

It’s easy to let the indulgence snowball into weeks of eating everything in sight. Enjoy yourself, and then return to your usual routine.

Get back to your regular meals, workouts, and habits, and you’ll feel like yourself again in no time.

8. Stay Hydrated

With all the rich food and festive drinks, it’s easy to forget about water. Staying hydrated can help with digestion, prevent overeating, and keep you feeling fresh. Keep a water bottle handy and aim to drink regularly throughout the day.

9. Remember the Bigger Picture

Christmas is about more than food and drink. It’s a time to connect with loved ones, reflect on the year, and enjoy the little moments that make it special.

When you focus on the bigger picture, you’ll find it easier to strike a balance between indulging and sticking to your goals.

You don’t need to miss out on the joys of Christmas to stay on track with your fitness and diet. By enjoying your favourite foods in moderation, staying active, and focusing on balance, you can celebrate the season without any regrets. So, go ahead – have the mince pie, sip the mulled wine, and raise a toast to all you’ve achieved this year. You’ve earned it!