The holiday season is full of delicious food, social gatherings, and opportunities to connect with loved ones. But for many, it also comes with an unhelpful mindset: skipping meals, particularly breakfast, to “save calories” for a big lunch or dinner.
While this might seem like a logical strategy, it often backfires. Restricting your intake earlier in the day can set you up for overeating or even binge eating later, leaving you feeling physically uncomfortable and mentally drained. The good news? There’s a simple, powerful solution: eating a nourishing breakfast on Christmas morning.
The “All or Nothing” Mentality
Skipping breakfast on Christmas (or any big eating occasion) can create a feast-or-famine cycle. When you deprive your body of fuel in the morning, it ramps up hunger cues, making you more likely to arrive at lunch ravenous. In this state, it’s harder to tune into your body’s natural fullness signals, leading to eating past the point of comfort.
This approach also reinforces an “all or nothing” mindset around food. By skipping breakfast, you might unconsciously label Christmas lunch as an “all-out” meal, where the focus shifts from enjoyment to consumption. Over time, this cycle can make social eating occasions feel stressful rather than joyful.
Why Breakfast Matters
Starting your Christmas morning with a balanced breakfast helps set the tone for the day. It allows you to approach lunch with a sense of calm rather than urgency, helping you enjoy the food and the company without the extremes of restriction or overindulgence.
Breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to function optimally and regulates hunger hormones, helping you feel more in control around food. When you’re not overly hungry, it’s easier to savor your meal, honor your fullness cues, and truly enjoy what’s on your plate.
What Makes a Nourishing Breakfast?
A nourishing breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate, but including a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates will keep you satisfied and energised throughout the morning. Here are some simple, festive ideas:
- Greek yogurt with granola and berries
- Scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast with avocado
- A smoothie with banana, spinach, peanut butter, and milk
- Oats cooked with almond milk, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey
The goal isn’t perfection but rather giving your body the fuel it needs to thrive.
How Breakfast Changes the Day
By starting the day with a nourishing breakfast, you’re telling your body: I trust you. I’ll give you what you need. This approach fosters a healthier relationship with food, making social occasions less about managing hunger and more about connection and enjoyment.
When lunchtime arrives, you’re likely to feel more balanced and in tune with your hunger. You can enjoy the roast, the sides, and the desserts without the need to overdo it—or the guilt that often follows.
A Gentle Reminder
This Christmas, give yourself the gift of nourishment. Skipping breakfast might feel like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on your relationship with food. By starting the day with a meal that fuels your body and mind, you’re setting yourself up to fully enjoy all the magic of the holiday season—food included.
Because Christmas isn’t about deprivation or overindulgence. It’s about connection, joy, and savouring the moments (and meals) that matter most.
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