Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to keep up your healthy habits in December. I’ll always try, but with so much going on, things slip. Which gets me thinking—how can I make sure I’m staying healthy (as much as possible)?
I don’t think a puritanical approach is the way. Maybe you’ve got more resolve than I do, but there’s no way I’m abstaining from all the treats. It’s just setting myself up for failure. Instead, this year, I’m going for an inclusive strategy. I’ll eat what I’ll eat, and I won’t judge myself for indulging. But at the same time, I’m going to make sure I get lots of gut-friendly food too.
And luckily, there’s no shortage of gut-friendly food you’ll find around the Christmas table…
1️⃣ Leafy greens—packed with fibre, and full of vitamins (plus a nice foil to the rest of the rich food).
2️⃣ Brussels sprouts—whether you’re a fan or not, your gut bacteria love them.
3️⃣ Carrots—they’re a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre (same with parsnips!)
4️⃣ Nuts—is there anything more Christmassy than the Nutcracker? Now’s the time to use one in real life.
5️⃣ Red wine—in moderation of course, but it’s packed full of polyphenols (these are what give it the colour).
