TUMMYTOX blogs.

5 tips to beat food guilt during the holidays

All I want for Christmas is ... guilt-free feasts.

The holidays are around the corner, filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food. But, along with the festive cheer and the gifts, often comes a side of guilt, especially when it comes to the dreaded ‘holiday weight gain’. We're here to sprinkle some magic fairy dust (not the edible kind!) on those worries and give you a few easy-to-follow tips on how to enjoy the holidays without food guilt and bloating.

tips to beat food guilt during the holidays

Tip 1: “May your days be merry and balanced.”

The key to surviving the holiday feasts with cheerful outcomes is balance. Rather than torturing yourself with restrictive diets and googling ‘how to not gain weight during the holidays’, set yourself free and enjoy your favourite treats while balancing them with nutrient-rich meals. Let your tastebuds and your body feel the joy of the holidays.

Starting your day with Christmas songs, and a nourishing breakfast packed with protein and fibre, will keep you satiated, making it easier to make mindful choices later in the day.

Breakfast ideas: treat yourself with high-protein pancakes, poached eggs on avocado toast, or scrambled eggs with tomato & basil!

Tip 2: “Eat, drink, and be merry."

By drinking, we mean treating yourself with a glass of water (among other things). Your secret weapon against bloating and indigestion is water, especially before and during meals. Staying hydrated can help your body process the holiday feast more thoroughly and leave you feeling refreshed.

To make that glass of water more in style with the holidays, infuse it with a splash of citrus or a few mint leaves.

Tip 3: "Holiday wisdom and Christmas wishes."

Surfing through the holiday buffet can be tricky with all the mouthwatering options displayed. But wishing upon a star to avoid a bloated stomach won’t do its bit alone.

Practice mindful eating to avoid that bloated stomach (and the upcoming food guilt) because of mindless munching. Chew slowly, savour each bite, and pay attention to your body’s fullness cues.

When filling up your plate, go for smaller portions of your favourite indulgences and fill the rest with colourful veggies and proteins. This way, you can enjoy all the delicious flavours without overloading with calories.

Along with fibre, enzymes and probiotics play an essential role in digestion. If you’re looking for indigestion relief and gut support during holiday feasts, we recommend Bye-Bye Bloat Drink from Tummy Tox. It helps you increase your fibre intake, eliminate excess fluids, reduce bloating, and relieve constipation, all while boosting your energy levels!

Bye-Bye Bloat Drink is the ideal support during holiday feasts – the secret lies in the ingredients:

  • ibSium®, a patented probiotic yeast with incredible properties, capable not only of improving your digestion, but also your quality of life. And it's not just words: 96*% of consumers have experienced a noticeable improvement in their gut well-being and 70*% have found relief from abdominal bloating!
  • CactiNea™, a patented form of prickly pear powder that can reduce water retention by up to 27*%.
  • Fibregum™, soluble dietary fibres derived from sustainably grown acacia gum that feed the good bacteria in your gut.
  • Hibiscus extract that stimulates diuresis and promotes healthy bowel regularity.
  • VinOgrape™ Plus, a patented pomace extract rich in polyphenols, to stabilize weight and counteract the appearance of cellulite.
  • Vitamin B3, to boost your energy and reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Save yourself from a bloated stomach and check it out (also makes a great gift for your friends). 

Tip 4: "Have yourself a merry sporty Christmas."

We have a few hints if you are wondering how to avoid holiday weight gain. We know that the holiday season is all about relaxation. Still, a little movement can go a long way in supporting your digestion and well-being. You can go on a brisk walk, have a dance party in the living room, or do a quick home workout – anything will do!

You can turn holiday chores into a workout – dance while decorating, take the stairs while shopping, park a little further, or wake your inner child and play in the snow.

Tip 5: "Tis the season to be jolly, fa la lalala!"

Lastly, remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate, not to beat yourself up over every calorie. If you find yourself experiencing food guilt, take a deep breath and remind yourself that one meal won't derail your overall progress. Practice self-compassion and enjoy the festivities guilt-free!

As well as New Year’s resolutions, plan a post-holiday activity you enjoy, like a hike or a spa day, to refocus your energy and kick off the new year feeling wonderful.

Now it’s time to wrap up those worries about holiday weight gain and throw them in the fireplace. Remember, the holiday magic lies in joy, not in calories. Step into the festive season with gratitude and let your sparkle shine.