The 12 Tips of Christmas – Bodyfirst Damage Control Guide

Stay on track this festive season — without missing out on the fun.

The Christmas season is full of parties, food, drinks and downtime… which makes it incredibly easy to drift from your routine. But with a few simple habits, you can enjoy every bit of the season while still feeling healthy, energised, and in control.

Here are the Bodyfirst 12 Tips of Christmas — your go-to guide for staying balanced throughout the festive weeks.

1. Set Your Intentions Early 

Before December gets chaotic, decide how you want to approach food, drink, and training. You don’t need perfection — just clear boundaries.

• What do you want to enjoy?
• What do you want to avoid?
• What is your minimum movement or protein target?

2. Remember Your Energy Balance 

Indulgence isn’t the problem — stacking indulgent days on top of skipped workouts is.

If calories go up while movement goes down, your body will store the excess. A little awareness keeps things on track.

3. Use “Low-Carb Buffer Days” Before Big Events 

Expecting a big meal or night out? Balance it by choosing one or two lower-carb, high-protein days beforehand.

Think: lean meats, fish, eggs, yoghurt and lots of veg.

4. Be Strategic With Meals (“Leverage”) 

If dinner will be a feast, keep breakfast and lunch lighter and protein-focused.

• Skip starters if you want dessert
• Choose protein + veg mains
• Avoid bread, chips, sauces if you plan to drink

5. Avoid the “All or Nothing” Spiral 

Christmas is not a choice between being “perfect” or “ruining everything.”

One big meal won’t derail you — but letting it become a week might. Stick to balance, not extremes.

6. Stop Mindless Eating 

Eating while scrolling, shopping or watching TV leads to accidental overeating.

Slow down. Sit down. Enjoy the food. Keep a protein snack nearby to avoid impulse treats.

7. Understand Emotional Eating 

The festive period brings joy — but also stress, fatigue and pressure.

Before snacking, ask yourself: “Am I hungry or just stressed/bored/tired?”

8. Watch the Hidden Calories 

It’s not the turkey that gets you — it’s the extras.

• Creamy sauces
• Festive coffees
• Chocolate bowls
• Pastries and nibbles

Pick your favourites and skip the forgettable extras.

9. Try Healthier Festive Recipes 

Festive meals don’t have to be heavy. Try winter veg, soups, protein desserts and flavour-packed healthy swaps.

10. Keep Moving — In Any Form 

Your gym routine may dip — and that’s okay. Just avoid becoming completely inactive.

Walk, stretch, run errands, do a short home workout — it all counts.

11. Support Your Immune System 

Winter, late nights and rich food can knock down immunity. Keep your body strong with:

• Colourful fruits + vegetables
• Greek yoghurt, kefir, fermented foods
• Lean proteins
• Soup and warm meals
• Plenty of water

12. Drink Smart & Recover Smarter 

You can absolutely enjoy a few drinks — just be strategic:

• Alternate alcohol with water
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach
• Have protein before bed
• Use electrolytes the next morning
• Prioritise sleep

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Christmas, Stay Balanced, Feel Your Best

You don’t need extreme discipline or extreme indulgence — just smart decisions, consistency and a foundation of protein, hydration and movement.

Follow these tips to glide through December feeling:

• energised
• in control
• guilt-free
• and ready for January

Enjoy Christmas the Bodyfirst way — with balance, confidence and great fuel.