By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach 
  
 With just under seven weeks until Christmas Day, now is the perfect time to give your eating habits a gentle reset before the festive food kicks in. Even small changes can make a big difference to how you feel by summer - lighter, more energised, and ready for the fun ahead. 
Why now is the perfect time to reset
  - You've got time to make a difference. Seven weeks is long enough to see real changes in your energy, digestion, and waistline simply by adding more fresh, wholesome food.
 
  - The best produce of the year is arriving. Late spring brings juicy watermelons, crisp salad greens, colourful berries, tender asparagus, and fragrant herbs - all naturally light and hydrating.
 
  - Your body is ready for a seasonal shift. After months of hearty winter meals, your body starts craving fresh, crunchy, water-rich foods. Listening to that shift makes healthy eating easy and enjoyable.
 
  - You'll boost your energy when you need it most. The lead-up to Christmas can be busy with work, events, and socialising. Fresh, nutrient-rich foods help keep energy up and stress down.
 
  - You'll enjoy festive food more (and guilt-free). A healthy foundation now means you can relax and enjoy Christmas pudding, mince pies, and champagne later without feeling sluggish.
 
  - It's easier to start now than in January. January "resets" often come after overindulgence and low motivation. Starting now means you'll roll into the holidays feeling great, not playing catch-up.
 
 
What the research says
Studies show that many adults gain between 0.4 kg and 0.9 kg over the Christmas period - and while that might not sound like much, it often isn't lost afterwards, leading to gradual yearly weight gain. Losing (or avoiding gaining) just a couple of kilograms before Christmas can help you feel more comfortable, energetic, and confident as summer begins. 
How fresh produce makes this easy
  - Hydrate and lighten up. Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, and leafy greens carry plenty of water, fibre, and natural sweetness to keep you satisfied without heaviness.
 
  - Add colour and nutrients. Berries, cherries, mangoes, and fresh herbs bring antioxidants, vitamins, and flavour that boost energy, skin health, and recovery from activity.
 
  - Swap heavy sides for fresh and crisp. Replace potatoes or rich dishes with spring greens, baby carrots, asparagus, and a lemon-herb dressing for a quick, satisfying meal.
 
  - Snack smart. Keep washed fruit or veggie sticks on hand. A bowl of cherries, berries, or crunchy carrots with hummus is perfect for healthy grazing.
 
  - Make it fun. Try watermelon with yoghurt cheese and mint, cherry-tomato bruschetta, berry-mint smoothies, or asparagus and peas tossed with new-season potatoes.
 
 
Small steps plan
  - Pick up a "fresh start" selection of watermelon, berries, baby greens, asparagus, and cucumber this week.
 
  - Each day, replace one usual snack or side dish with a fresh produce-based option - for example, swap biscuits for cherries or a heavy side for salad.
 
  - Make one evening meal this week focused on fresh produce - grilled protein with a big salad or a watermelon, mint, and feta combo.
 
  - Stay hydrated - sometimes thirst shows up as hunger. Fresh fruit and veg with high water content can help.
 
  - Keep it realistic. You're not aiming for perfection - just small, consistent changes that make you feel good.
 
 
Final thought
As Christmas approaches, it's easy to think you'll start after the holidays - but right now is the sweet spot to make simple, positive changes. The markets are full of vibrant, in-season produce ready to help you feel lighter, brighter, and full of energy for summer. 
So before the Christmas rush begins, take a moment to refresh your habits and enjoy the best of the season - one juicy watermelon slice, crisp salad, and berry bowl at a time. 
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