Do you dread the excess of Christmas eating? Have you ever wondered how you and your family could eat a little healthier over the festive season? Dermot Moriarty, communications manager at safefood and dad of two, shares his Christmas healthy eating tips.
I’m wishing for a happy, healthier Christmas.
Christmas — I love it.
I love it because of all the traditions that make it so special. Decorations and the tree. Sending and receiving Christmas cards. Buying and getting presents. Seeing the joy and surprise on my kids’ faces when they rip back the wrapping paper. Meeting family and friends I probably haven’t seen since this time last year. The smell of warm mince pies. That first, sneaky slice of ham on Christmas Eve. Looking forward to a lovely dinner the next day.
But I also know I’ll be sporting a Santa stomach by the end of it, from the sheer volume of food I’ll eat. Not to mention the tin of sweets that always seems to be within arm’s reach, right beside the TV remote. As for the kids, it’s just as bad — selection boxes seem to be the default stocking filler from every visiting relative, and between chocolate-filled advent calendars and Santa’s sweets, we usually end up with enough chocolate to last months.
This isn’t a bah-humbug piece. I just wish there was a little less temptation lying around, and fewer battles about sweets before breakfast. I’d also like to be a bit more sensible myself about what I eat and drink over the season.
Maybe it’s because Christmas only comes once a year, so it feels like the one time we can let go completely. Or maybe, as an adult, it’s knowing what a let-down January can feel like after the excitement of December that pushes us towards the “eat, drink and be merry” approach — and into buying that extra slab of fizzy drinks just because Santa is on the label.
The good news is that a healthier Christmas doesn’t mean a joyless one. Small changes to the way you’ve always done things can make a real difference, without anyone feeling like they’re missing out.
Christmas Healthy Eating Tips
#1. If you can, ask family and friends not to give your children sweets as gifts.
#2. Avoid buying sugary drinks in bulk — it’s an easy habit to fall into once the shops fill up with festive multipacks.
#3. If you’re doing the cooking, small swaps make a difference. Try a drizzle of honey on carrots instead of butter, a breadcrumb stuffing instead of a meaty one, or olive oil instead of butter on roast potatoes.
#4. If you’re looking for more inspiration for the kids, safefood has plenty of fun, family-friendly food ideas worth exploring for further tips and healthier options.
Hope Christmas is special for you and yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to have a healthier Christmas without giving up the traditional treats?
Yes. The idea isn’t to remove treats altogether, but to make small, manageable swaps — like healthier cooking methods or being mindful of how many sugary extras are around the house — so the day still feels festive without the excess.
What can I do about the amount of sweets and chocolate children receive as gifts?
It’s worth having a gentle word with close family and friends ahead of time, asking them to consider non-sweet gifts or treats in moderation. Many relatives are happy to oblige once they know it’s something you’d appreciate.
Are there simple recipe swaps that make Christmas dinner healthier?
Small changes can add up, such as using honey instead of butter on vegetables, choosing a breadcrumb stuffing over a meaty one, or swapping butter for olive oil on roast potatoes.
Where can I find more healthy eating advice for the festive season?
safefood’s website has additional seasonal healthy eating advice and portion guidance for families over Christmas.
You Might Also Like
- Healthy Family Meal Ideas for Winter
- Fun Ways to Get Kids Involved in Christmas Baking
- Managing Treats and Sweets Without the Battles
Enjoyed This Article?
We’re always adding fresh, practical ideas for feeding and entertaining your family over the festive season and beyond. Have a browse of our family food section for more inspiration, or save this article to come back to when you’re planning your Christmas menu.
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About the Author
Dermot Moriarty is the communications manager for safefood. His background is in advertising and public relations, and he works on safefood’s awareness campaigns, promotional activities and market research. He’s also an occasional blogger. In his spare time, he’s a fan of history books, sport and cooking (though not usually all at once) and is trying to get back into running. He lives in Co. Dublin with his wife and two young boys who are growing up far too fast.
Do you have any tips for eating healthier as a family over Christmas? Share them in the comments below. If you found this article useful, please share it with family or friends who might enjoy it too.
