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The Christmas countdown is on and with all the festivities comes a lot of temptation. Whether it's office parties, family gatherings, or the million and one holiday events popping up on your calendar, there’s no escaping the festive food and drink (and let’s be honest…the cocktails and that never-ending supply of Christmas chocolate). But what if this year you want to enjoy the season without the post-party regret? What if you want to keep your health - particularly your hormones - in check while still enjoying yourself?
It’s possible, trust me.
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
I get it, no one wants to be that person at the Christmas table turning down the mulled wine or side-eyeing the mince pies. The key is balance - you can absolutely indulge without wrecking your health or waking up with a full-blown hangover. It’s all about the choices you make before you reach for the next glass of bubbly or that second helping of Christmas pudding.
So, let’s dive in.
Here are some practical tips to help you keep things on track, enjoy the holiday fun, and still wake up feeling your best.
Beware of the January period from hell
As someone who’s worked with countless clients struggling with hormonal health, I can tell you that there is something deeply ominous about January. The post-holiday slump is real - and I’ve experienced it myself more times than I care to admit. After weeks of indulgence, the beginning of the year feels like the “period from hell,” a phrase I use quite literally, as many women see their hormones take a nosedive.
All those extra glasses of wine, holiday chocolates, and greasy comfort foods can throw your hormones out of whack, especially if you’re already dealing with hormone imbalances like PMS, PCOS, or problematic periods. I’ve had clients who, after a few too many festive cocktails, find themselves facing heavier and more painful periods, mood swings, skin breakouts, and fatigue come January. Back before I knew how to balance my hormones properly, I used to feel like my hormones were playing a game of let’s see how miserable we can make Hayley — and spoiler alert, they always won.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way this year.
By being mindful of your choices over the holidays, you can avoid that dreaded January crash. You’ll feel less bloated, your energy will stay more stable, and your hormones will thank you come New Year’s Eve. Trust me - your future self will thank you for keeping things in balance now.
1. Hydrate like it’s your full-time job!
If you’re heading into a holiday party or a Christmas dinner, the first thing you need to do is hydrate. You may think that glass of wine or gin and tonic will hydrate you, but spoiler alert: it won't. Alcohol is a dehydrator, and dehydration can lead to all sorts of problems - hangovers, low energy, and even hormone imbalance.
Here’s a simple tip: for every alcoholic drink you have, aim to drink a glass of water.
Not only will this help keep you hydrated, but it’ll also slow down your drinking (because you’ll need to run to the bathroom every few minutes, right?). Hydration is key for keeping your energy levels high, your digestion on track, and your hormones stable. A lot of hormonal issues, like bloating, headaches, and fatigue, can be made worse when you’re dehydrated, so water is your best friend.
2. Don’t skip meals – ever!
If you're heading out for a holiday bash, skipping a meal to “save up” for that festive feast can actually backfire. You’ll end up so hungry by the time the food is served that you’ll probably inhale everything in sight, leaving you bloated and uncomfortable.
Eat balanced meals beforehand, focusing on healthy fats, proteins, and plenty of veggies. This will help you avoid cravings and prevent blood sugar crashes. Think avocado toast with scrambled eggs, a hearty salad with salmon, or some quinoa with roasted veggies. These nutrient-dense meals will keep you full and satisfied, helping you stay in control when it’s time to indulge later.
3. Be mindful of your drink choices
Ah, the holiday cocktails. It's easy to fall into the “one more won’t hurt” trap, but alcohol can really throw off your hormones and your digestion if you overdo it. Instead of going for sugary cocktails that will leave you feeling sluggish the next day, opt for simpler, lighter drinks.
Red wine: Go for a glass of dry red wine (preferably one that’s organic and sulphite-free! It’s lower in sugar and can even have some health benefits thanks to antioxidants.
Light spirits: If you prefer spirits, mix them with soda water and a squeeze of lime. Skip the sugary mixers like tonic or fruit juices - they’ll spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling worse the next day. Light spirits (think vodka, gin or tequila) are alcoholic drinks that generally have fewer calories and lower alcohol content compared to heavier spirits like whiskey or rum.
Mocktails: If you’re just not in the mood for alcohol, mocktails are a fantastic option, just be weary of the options loaded with fruit juice or sugar. Go for something fizzy like sparkling water with a splash of cranberry or lime juice. It’s festive, hydrating, and totally satisfying.
4. Opt for balanced snacks
It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas snacks - the cheese boards, the sausage rolls, the endless bowls of crisps. But many of these snacks are packed with unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and processed ingredients that aren’t doing your hormones any favours.
Here’s the secret: focus on snacks that nourish, not deplete.
Healthy fats: Choose nuts, olives, and guacamole. These will keep you full longer and support hormone balance.
Veggies: Fill your plate with veggie-based options. Think veggie crudités with hummus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a big salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing.
Protein: If you’re having a canapé or starter, go for something that’s protein-rich, like smoked salmon or a boiled egg. Protein is key for keeping your blood sugar stable, which will help prevent mood swings and energy crashes.
5. Keep your portion sizes in check
Let’s be real: it’s easy to overindulge during the holidays. When there’s so much delicious food, it can feel like you need to try everything at least once. But here’s the thing: portion sizes matter.
Instead of going back for seconds, listen to your body and stop when you’re satisfied. It actually takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you're full, so give yourself time to really tune in to how you're feeling.
Focus on the quality of what you’re eating, not the quantity. Choose one or two things you really want to enjoy, and skip the rest. Remember, you don’t need to eat everything in sight to enjoy the holidays. It’s about feeling good, not stuffed and sluggish.
6. Avoid the sugar overload
Christmas is a time for sweet treats, but if you’re indulging in too many sugary desserts and snacks, you’ll be setting yourself up for an energy crash - and possibly even a hormonal imbalance. Sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings, fatigue, and cravings.
Instead of going all-in on sugar-laden desserts, go for healthier alternatives. Fresh berries with a bit of dark chocolate, a fruit salad, or a small piece of dark chocolate will satisfy your sweet tooth without overloading your system.
7. Get moving
You don’t have to do a full-on HIIT session on Christmas morning, but try to get moving in some way. A gentle walk after a big meal can do wonders for digestion and will help you avoid the post-dinner bloat. Plus, staying active during the holiday season helps to keep your hormones balanced and your metabolism in check.
Even just 15-20 minutes of walking, yoga, or stretching can make a huge difference. Plus, it’s a great way to make room for that extra slice of turkey or a little bit more stuffing - without feeling guilty!
8. Listen to your body (seriously!)
The holidays can be a time of excess, and it’s easy to get swept up in all the food, drink, and festivities. But this season, try to stay connected to your body. Listen to what it’s telling you. Are you really hungry, or just eating because food is in front of you? Are you thirsty, or just reaching for another drink because it’s “the thing to do”?
Checking in with your body’s cues can help you make better decisions and avoid overeating or over drinking. It’s about finding that balance between enjoyment and self-care.
9. Take care of your liver
Let’s talk about the liver - the unsung hero of the holiday season. Your liver plays a huge role in detoxifying your hormones and processing the alcohol you’re consuming. Give it a helping hand by supporting it with nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts). These foods are natural detoxifiers and can help your liver do its job more efficiently, leaving you feeling better after all those holiday drinks and indulgent meals.
10. Don’t stress, just enjoy!
Lastly, remember that the holidays are supposed to be fun, not a time to stress about every morsel you put in your mouth. It’s okay to indulge a little — just make sure you’re doing it mindfully. The goal is to feel good during the holidays, not just after.
If you slip up and overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. One too many glasses of wine or an extra serving of dessert won’t derail your progress if you get back on track the next day. It’s all about finding that balance and being kind to yourself.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer without compromising your health or your hormones. It’s about making smart choices, staying hydrated, and listening to your body. With a little planning and a bit of mindfulness, you’ll be able to navigate the holidays like a pro - and wake up feeling fantastic, not hungover.
So, go ahead - enjoy that Christmas dinner, sip that festive cocktail, and indulge in your favourite treats. Just do it with balance, and your body (and hormones) will thank you for it.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and balanced holiday season!
Hayley x
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