How to Stay Balanced During the Festive Season Without Restriction

December is a beautiful mix of celebration, connection and let’s be honest, a little chaos! Between rich food, late nights, alcohol, family dynamics and a diary that fills itself, it’s easy to fall into the classic all or nothing mindset. Restrict → overindulge → promise yourself a punishing January cleanse.

But this year, I want to show you a softer, steadier way. A way to stay balanced during the festive season without restriction, without guilt, and without sliding into self destruct mode.

This isn’t about perfection, it’s about the right support, nourishment, and most importantly - remembering you in the middle of it all. 

So, this year, let’s make December the month you enjoy yourself fully, while still feeling well, energised and grounded.

Why Women Need a Different Approach in December

If we’re honest, most of us can admit we tend to swing between extremes this time of year. And it’s not because we’re not disciplined enough (although some may feel this), it’s because our physiology is hugely affected by:

• Stress

• Sugar

• Alcohol

• Disrupted sleep

• Emotional load

• Social overwhelm 

This is why Christmas wellness tips for women need to go far beyond the misleading concept of ‘eat less, move more’, as December affects the nervous system, the liver, the gut and our hormones in such unique ways.

I always notice by early December, many of my 1-2-1 clients are already falling off the bandwagon, and it’s not because they don’t care, it’s because they’re simply overwhelmed. So instead of pushing harder, I help them find steadiness and I remind them that you can enjoy food, drinks and family time without abandoning yourself.

Avoid the January Crash (In a Kind, Feminine Way)

One of the most common questions I’ve been asked in the last month is ‘how to stay balanced during the festive season?’ And honestly, I think this shows how many of us are craving something realistic, nurturing and totally doable.

The truth is, the January punishment plan simply doesn’t work. Restricting yourself in December almost always leads to overeating, which leads to shame, which spirals into harsh detoxes that dysregulate hormones - and the cycle just continues. Most women know this pattern all too well.

Nourishment is what breaks that cycle. This is the time of year when routines shift the most, which actually makes December one of the most important times to support your body. And remember, this is when you often see friends or relatives you haven’t seen for months - so you naturally want to feel good, physically and emotionally.

That feeling doesn’t come from restriction. It comes from nourishment, enjoyment and balance - the things that help you stay grounded, present and energised through the whole season.

Here are my top simple ways to stay well:

1. Protein at breakfast:
   
   Aim for 30-40g at breakfast to help balance blood sugar, mood and cravings. This starts the day on the right foot and tends to create a balanced morning and afternoon.
   
   

2. Hydration & electrolytes:
   
   Festive food + alcohol leads to dehydration, and fast. Use electrolytes, or my favourite warm water with lemon, a little raw local honey and a sprinkle of Celtic sea salt. This supports hydration, immunity and adrenal health thanks to vitamin C rich lemon.
   
   

3. Prioritise sleep:
   
   Aim for better, not perfect. If you get home late, go straight to bed without scrolling. 7-9 hours is ideal, but be gentle with yourself if it’s 6 here and there.
   
   Ensure you take Magnesium with our Bio-Shoden Ashwagandha to deepen your sleep, soothe your nervous system and lower cortisol amidst the Christmas chaos (also found in our Restful Nights bundle)
   
   

4. Small movements > forceful workouts:
   
   Morning stretches, gentle strength, and fresh air walks support your adrenals instead of draining them. If you wake with loads of energy and want HIIT or hot yoga then go for it.
   
   Just listen to the cues of your body and respect them, when routine changes, so does your body’s needs. Busy schedules call for regulating movement, not harsh workouts.
   
   

5. One nourishing meal a day:
   
   Rather than focusing on perfection, look for easy ways to enhance the meals you’re already eating. Add grated courgette to eggs, spoon cottage cheese on the side for extra protein, chop some cucumber and apple for fibre and minerals, or sprinkle broccoli sprouts (the richest source of sulforaphane) over anything.
   
   These tiny upgrades keep your body supported even on your busier days. And if you do have a heavier meal, enjoy it fully, then come back to balance next.
   
   

Gentle Liver Support - Your December Supplement Guide

December is the month when your body naturally needs a little more support, especially the liver. Richer meals, extra alcohol, late nights, more sugar and seasonal stress all increase its workload, and giving it a bit of help can make a huge difference to how you feel.

At this time of year, a lot of people ask me whether milk thistle and glutathione support liver function during the festive season. And yes, they can be incredibly helpful for both protection and recovery. But they’re not the only ones worth considering, which is why I’ve put this little guide together of the best supplements for the holiday season.

This guide isn’t just about liver support. It’s also for those dealing with the emotional and energetic load that December can bring. Christmas can be beautifully full, but also heavy. Family dynamics, loneliness, grief, the pressure to be happy and present, it’s a lot, and all of it can sit in the body.

So, here is a gentle list of the best supplements for the holiday season:

And, Don’t Forget the Men

Men feel stressed and overwhelmed at this time of year too, juggling family, finances, work, and everything else. Sometimes even more than they show.

They also burn through nutrients differently, and heavier meals and alcohol can put more strain on the heart and liver. And while this blog is mostly written for women, men also need guidance on how to support your body during Christmas, especially when routines get chaotic.

Our men’s bundle includes Omega 3, Living Man Multivitamin, Magnesium and Vitamin D3, these nutrients support heart health, immunity, rest, inflammation and liver support.

A Radiant December, Not a Restrictive One

This year, December isn’t about holding back or overdoing it. It’s about finding the steady, nourished middle where you feel well, energised, present and glowing.

We are leaving the crashes, the guilt, and the January punishment plans in 2024. This year, you will radiate through December. 

Enjoy the Christmas parties, just prep the liver beforehand. Enjoy the food, just add greens, sprouts or a grounding breakfast. If emotions feel heavy then support your nervous system and be kind to yourself.

This isn’t about less fun, it’s about more fun with faster recovery. 

So, here’s to a December filled with joy, not abandonment, and nourishment, not restriction.

PS: Next week I will be sharing tips that I give to my 1-2-1 clients to help curve the cravings.