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Gut Health Tips for a Balanced Festive Season

06th December 2024

The festive season is a time for joy, connection and indulgence—but it can also take a toll on your gut health. Between rich foods, late nights and seasonal stress, it’s easy to overdo it. To help you navigate the festive season while keeping your gut happy, we’ve gathered tips from the experts behind Goodwood’s Gut Health Programme and Active Longevity Retreat, including Stephanie Moore MA(Hons) BA(Hons) BSc(Nut.Med) mBANT regGRCCT mCNHC and Dr Sam Watts, MCMA, Dip Ayu, MSc, BSc (Hons) PhD of Mind Body Medical.

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Elemental Herbology gut health programme press launch at The Goodwood Hotel and Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant..Client: Goodwood..Picture date: Wednesday September 28, 2022..Photograph by Christopher Ison ©.07544044177.chris@christopherison.com.www.christopherison.com..IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agreed. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Sharing with third parties is prohibited without the written permission of the photographer.

Move More

“Movement is a game changer when it comes to offsetting festive indulgence,” says Sam. “Incorporating a mix of aerobic and strength-based exercises raises your metabolic rate, improves digestion and reduces the risks associated with overindulging. Even a brisk winter walk after meals can work wonders for your gut and overall wellbeing.”

Don’t Start Christmas Too Early

With holiday treats lining the shelves from October, it can be tempting to dive into the celebrations early. Stephanie advises holding back, “Try to keep festive indulgences within the holiday period. By waiting, you’ll appreciate the season more and avoid months of overloading your system.”

Create Calm Amid the Chaos

The entire Christmas period can be overwhelming, with social and family gatherings, presents to buy and wrap and endless to-do lists. Stephanie suggests carving out moments for yourself, “Take little pockets of time to breathe, walk in nature, or simply pause in a quiet space. Even 10 minutes can help reset your stress levels, which directly impact your gut.”

Be Mindful About Portions

It’s easy to go overboard when faced with festive feasts. A simple trick? Start with smaller portions and eat slowly. This gives your body time to register fullness and helps your gut process food more efficiently.

 

Balance Indulgence with Gut Friendly Nutrition

It’s wonderful to enjoy the rich foods that come with Christmas lunch and all the festive feasting, but create some balance by including gut-friendly foods in your spread. Load your plate with fibre-rich vegetables, fermented foods like pickles or sauerkraut and healthy fats such as nuts and seeds. These choices support digestion and keep your microbiome happy.

Stay Hydrated

Alcohol and sugary treats can dehydrate you, impacting gut function. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider herbal teas like peppermint or ginger to soothe your digestive system.

Prioritise Sleep

“Late nights are part of the fun, but poor sleep can disrupt your gut,” says Stephanie. “Aim for quality rest when you can and try to stick to a routine where possible. Your gut—and your energy—will thank you.”

Practice Gratitude

Finally, remember what the season is truly about. Stephanie highlights the importance of mindfulness: “Take time to celebrate connection, togetherness, and the joy of the season. A positive mindset can work wonders for your overall wellbeing, including your gut.”

By incorporating these simple tips, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your gut health. From all of us at Goodwood, we wish you a happy, healthy festive season.

You can find out more about 2025’s Wellness Retreats at Goodwood here.

 

  • gut health

  • Health & Wellbeing

  • Health and Wellbeing

  • Christmas

  • fitness tips

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