Timeout Newsletter

How can you make a difference?

1.  Beware the buffet

Buffets tend to encourage over-consumption. When faced with a delicious spread, most of us are struck down with FOMO (fear of missing out). We can misjudge what we actually need and pile our plates with a bit of everything. Load your plate with salads and vegies first, leaving less room for the fried or creamy. Most buffets usually include a dessert, so eat what you need and remember to leave room for a special treat.

2. If you’re catering

If you’re planning a fancy meal, or catering for a crowd, spend time planning the salads as well as the meats. Opt for a wide range of fresh vegies and grain salads, and try something a bit different, such as freekah or quinoa. Give your salad a kick with a delicious dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and freshly cut herbs. A flavoured vinegar can add a new dimension, too. Salads packed with nuts, seeds and fresh cheeses make for a wholesome side dish, or hearty meal on their own.

3. Buy local

Buying local food and drink not only supports your community, but also means it hasn’t been transported across the country, or even the world, to end up on your plate. Avoid excess plastic packaging, and make sure to plan ahead so you can store all your leftovers from Christmas dinner.

4. Manage your energy use

Reduce your energy consumption by turning off Christmas lights when they aren’t needed, and if you want to purchase some, consider LED bulbs or lights that are solar-powered. Batteries come out in force at Christmas so you can use your new gift, but once they’re flat, they never biodegrade and are hard to recycle. Use rechargeable batteries, or buy toys and products that don’t require them at all.

5. Customise your gifts and decorations

Christmas decorations are reused every year, but it’s always tempting to add something new to the display. Instead of buying additional decorations, consider making your own using upcycled materials made from recycled cardboard and paper. Be sure to wrap your gifts in recycled paper, newspaper or even last year’s wrapping paper!

6. Watch what you drink

Increasingly, employers are advising us to watch the number of units we consume over the festive season, particularly at work functions, and this isn’t just to limit our calorie intake! Not only does drinking alcohol add extra calories to your diet, serving no nutritional purpose, it also increases the likelihood of saying something you might regret! Enjoy a glass or two within your limits – your waistline and brain will thank you for it.

7. Stay on track

If you do pile your plate at the buffet, or have that additional glass of red, don’t despair! Stick to your usual eating and activity schedule, and avoid the “all or nothing” approach rather than continuing to indulge for weeks. This will ensure your treats remain one-offs, not your holiday routine.

Above all, have a safe, healthy and enjoyable festive season!