The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious treats. It’s easy to get caught up in indulgence – after all, holiday foods often hold special meaning and memories. But enjoying the celebrations doesn’t have to mean abandoning healthy habits. With a bit of mindful planning, you can savour your favourite festive dishes and still feel good. Practice Portion Control It’s not necessary to avoid all the festive favourites; just be mindful of portions. Consider using a smaller plate so it naturally limits how much you pile on. Try to fill half your plate with colourful veggies or salad, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with the treat you’ve been eyeing. This way you’re getting nutrients and fibre to fill you up, while still allowing room for a bit of indulgence. You get to taste everything you love without overdoing it. Eat Slowly and Mindfully With all the excitement around, it’s easy to speed through meals. Instead, take your time. Chew t...

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many people it can also bring added stress and exhaustion. If you find yourself more frazzled than festive, you might be experiencing "holiday burnout." You're not alone – surveys have found that roughly 38% of people feel their stress increase during the holidays, and those with existing mental health concerns often find their conditions worsening at this time. Holiday burnout refers to the mental, physical, and emotional fatigue that can occur during or after a busy holiday season. The pressure to create perfect memories – from cooking elaborate dinners to finding just the right gifts – can leave anyone overwhelmed and drained. So, how do you know if you’re burning out? Holiday burnout can manifest in different ways. You might feel constantly tired and unable to sleep well. Some people notice changes in appetite or frequent indigestion. Others become irritable or emotionally numb – you might f...