My Top 10 Festive Swaps to Support Boosting Your Energy Levels This Christmas

The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence.

However, the endless to-do lists, rich meals, and packed social calendars can leave us feeling more frazzled than festive. This year, consider making small but impactful changes to your Christmas habits. These easy swaps and add-ins will help you maintain steady energy levels, enjoy the season, and start the new year feeling refreshed. Here are my top ten festive swaps to boost your energy levels this Christmas.

1. Upgrade Your Veggies with Frozen and Steamed Options

As we gather around festive feasts, vegetables are more than just sides; they’re vital to supporting keeping energy levels up while complementing indulgent mains. Preparing fresh veg can feel overwhelming during the holiday rush, so swap fresh for frozen to save time without compromising nutrition. Flash-frozen at their peak, options like peas, broccoli, and green beans retain their vitamins and minerals.

Steaming instead of boiling helps preserve nutrients and enhances their natural flavour. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle garlic or paprika, or toss in toasted nuts for a festive twist. With minimal effort, these simple upgrades turn everyday veggies into vibrant, energy-boosting sides.

2. Drink Mindfully: Alternate and Pair Alcohol with Food

Festive drinks are a staple of celebrations, but they can disrupt your sleep and sap your energy. Alcohol dehydrates the body and can amplify cravings for sugar and salt, creating an energy rollercoaster. To enjoy your favourite drinks without the dreaded slump, pair them with food to slow absorption and help maintain balance.

To stay hydrated, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, sparkling mocktails, or herbal teas. Try lighter options, such as a wine spritzer or alcohol-free alternatives, to reduce the impact on your body. Small, mindful choices like these can keep you feeling lively and in control, ready to savour the festivities.

3. Embrace the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)

The holiday season often comes with pressure to say “yes” to every party, shopping trip, and social engagement. This year, flip the script by embracing the Joy of Missing Out. Instead of over-scheduling yourself, allow room to decline activities that drain your energy.

Focus on what truly matters: cosy evenings with loved ones, a festive walk in nature, or baking Christmas sweets. By saying “no” to what doesn’t bring you joy, you’ll create space for the traditions and connections that make the season meaningful. Ask yourself: What moments bring me the most joy at Christmas? Then, prioritise them wholeheartedly.

4. Batch Cooking for Festive Feasts Made Easy

Batch cooking isn’t just a time-saver; it’s an energy-saver too. By preparing meals in advance, you’ll have nourishing dishes ready to go when life gets hectic. Start early in December by cooking hearty soups, stews, and casseroles that freeze well. For example, a comforting butternut squash soup or a spiced lentil casserole makes a perfect festive meal.

Having these ready reduces reliance on less nutritious options during busy days and frees up your time for seasonal activities. Plus, leftovers from batch-cooked meals can be repurposed for simple lunches or snacks throughout the week.

5. Make Magic with Your Slow Cooker

If you haven’t already, this is the perfect season to dust off your slow cooker. This handy kitchen tool lets you create hearty, wholesome meals with minimal effort, freeing up your day for gift wrapping or simply relaxing.

Start a festive dish in the morning and come home to comforting aromas and a stress-free dinner. Think slow-cooked turkey, vegetarian curries, or even mulled wine for your guests. With a little planning, the slow cooker can be your secret weapon for festive feasts and cosy gatherings alike.

6. Dress Your Carbs to Support Steady Energy

Carbs are often the stars of festive meals, from crispy roast potatoes to fluffy stuffing. While they’re undeniably delicious, too many refined carbs can lead to energy crashes. Instead of cutting them out, dress your carbs with fibre, protein, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar balanced.

For example, keep the skins on your roast potatoes for added fibre and roast them in olive oil rather than saturated fats. Add nuts, seeds, or whole grains to the stuffing to boost its nutrient profile. You could also pair cakes or mince pies with yoghurt for added protein, or try baking black bean brownies for a fibre-rich dessert option. These tweaks help keep your energy steady while still allowing you to enjoy your festive favourites.

7. Sneak in Nutritional Add-Ins

The festive season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. With a few creative tweaks, you can pack your meals with nutrients without changing their flavour. Add a handful of spinach to soups or stews, blend steamed cauliflower into mashed potatoes, or use Greek yoghurt instead of heavy cream for desserts.

Even treats can get a nutritious boost, think black bean brownies, oat-based cookies, or energy bites with festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These small changes can make a difference to your overall nutrient intake and keep you feeling nourished and energised.

8. Balance Your Plate to Prevent the Slump

A balanced plate doesn’t mean sacrificing your festive favourites, it’s about enjoying them in the right proportions. Aim to fill half your plate with colourful veggies, a quarter with lean protein, and the remaining quarter with carbs.

For example, roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots pair beautifully with turkey and a small portion of roast potatoes or stuffing. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of seeds for healthy fats. This simple approach helps you feel satisfied and energised without the post-meal slump.

9. Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers are one of the joys of Christmas, but instead of simply reheating them, turn them into new, exciting meals. Turkey can become a fragrant curry or hearty stir-fry with frozen veggies and spices. Leftover roast potatoes and veg can make a delicious bubble and squeak, while cheese or charcuterie scraps are perfect for a festive quiche.

If you’re not ready to use them right away, freeze portions for easy January meals. Reducing waste while keeping meals stress-free and flavourful is the ultimate win-win.

10. Focus on Connection and What Brings You Joy

At its core, Christmas is about connection and joy, not perfection. Let go of unrealistic expectations and take the pressure off yourself. Instead, focus on the small, meaningful moments, like walking with loved ones, baking with the kids, or cosying up with a festive film.

Finding joy in the little things can lift your spirits and recharge your energy even during the busiest times. Take a moment to reflect on this season: What moments bring me the most joy? Then, prioritise those moments and let go of the rest.

A Balanced Christmas for Sustained Energy

This Christmas, let’s rewrite the narrative around indulgence and exhaustion. These festive swaps and add-ins aren’t about restriction, they’re about finding balance and joy in a way that supports your health and energy levels. By making small, mindful changes, you can enjoy the season to its fullest and start the new year feeling your best.

Author: Claire Thomas Registered Nutritional Therapist (BN (Hons), PGCert, PGCertEd, PGDiploma)

Categories: : busyness, energy, winter wellness