Christmas Indulgence: Navigating Food, Drink, and Wellness During the Festive Season
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Overindulging at Christmas: Why It Happens and How to Handle It
Christmas Food: The Art of Mindful Indulgence
Balancing Food and Alcohol at Social Functions
Christmas Calories and the Physical Impact of Overeating
Stephanie's 10 Ways to Stay Balanced During the Holidays
Rewriting Holiday Routines to Support Wellness Goals
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Season Without Regret
The holiday season is a time of togetherness, joy, and celebration. But it can also bring its fair share of challenges when it comes to maintaining healthy habits. In this seasonal episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble, a professional fashion stylist and accountability coach, shares expert insights on how to approach Christmas indulgence with awareness, self-kindness, and strategy.
From managing holiday indulgence and navigating social functions, to avoiding regret from overindulging at Christmas, Stephanie offers a warm and practical guide to staying on track without missing out on the fun.
Overindulging at Christmas: Why It Happens and How to Handle It
Many people experience a loss of structure around the holidays, leading to overeating during the holidays and unplanned indulgences. Stephanie notes that Christmas is deeply tied to food, family, and tradition. It’s easy to be swept up in the moment.
Overindulgence in the holiday season just can make us feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and even a bit regretful.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Rather than shaming ourselves, she encourages reflection and intention. Recognising the cultural and emotional significance of this season can help reframe how we approach these moments.
Key factors behind holiday overindulgence include:
Food and alcohol offered in abundance at gatherings.
Disrupted routines and lack of structure.
Emotional eating triggered by family dynamics or stress.
The solution is awareness.
During the party season, it’s particularly helpful to remember that connection—not consumption—is the real reason we gather. Bringing this focus into each event can help you enjoy yourself without going overboard.
Christmas Food: The Art of Mindful Indulgence
Stephanie shares a smart technique: ask yourself if something is a "10/10" before eating it. Is it truly delicious and worth it? This mindset helps you savour special treats while bypassing average snacks.
“We have high fat, high sugar foods at this time of the year, and it about making healthy choices.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
To enjoy Christmas food without going overboard:
Eat slowly and mindfully.
Check in with hunger before reaching for more.
Choose smaller portions of richer foods.
Not all indulgence is bad. The key is making choices that feel aligned with your wellness goals.
Balancing Food and Alcohol at Social Functions
Holiday events often blend food and alcohol in ways that can derail our usual patterns. Stephanie highlights the importance of planning your intake ahead of time.
“Holidays are about more than just food. They’re about joy, togetherness, creating memories and everything long after all of the Christmas decorations have come down.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
When attending social functions:
Don’t arrive hungry or dehydrated.
Choose drinks mindfully, and alternate with water.
Keep your goals in mind when making food choices.
Showing up prepared puts you in a better position to avoid automatic habits and enjoy yourself with balance.
If you're organising or attending a Christmas function, consider bringing a dish that fits your goals. Whether you’re the host or a guest, preparing ahead ensures you can participate fully while still staying aligned with your values.
Christmas Calories and the Physical Impact of Overeating
According to Stephanie, the average person may consume up to 6,000 calories on Christmas Day—a figure often referred to as your typical intake of Christmas calories. This can lead to fatigue, bloating, and low mood.
“When you're going to a restaurant, look ahead of time at the menu, see if it's got things on it that you know you're going to enjoy and that work with your health goals.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Too many foods high in sugar and fat can overwhelm digestion and disrupt sleep. Stephanie shares how she listens to her body and plans nourishing meals to avoid that sluggish, overfull feeling.
Physical effects of overdoing it include:
Digestive discomfort and bloating.
Dehydration and hangovers.
Lethargy and sleep disruption.
The good news? It’s all manageable with a plan.
Stephanie's 10 Ways to Stay Balanced During the Holidays
In this episode, Stephanie offers a practical 10-point list to help listeners navigate holiday indulgence without guilt. Each tip is reframed below with its updated heading, numbered, and expanded with guidance.
1. How to Avoid Overeating at Christmas
One of the simplest yet most powerful strategies is to pause and reflect before you eat. Stephanie encourages clients to ask, “Is this a 10 out of 10?” If the answer is no, skip it. Not every food at the table is worth it.
This helps reduce mindless nibbling and keeps your intake intentional. You’ll enjoy your food more and feel better afterwards.
2. Mindful Eating Tips for the Holidays
Don’t eat simply because something is placed in front of you. Instead, be present with your meal. Stephanie suggests tuning into your hunger cues and noticing how food tastes, smells, and feels.
Sitting away from the food table can help reduce temptation. Mindful eating is a form of self-respect that helps you reconnect with what your body truly needs.
3. Dealing with Family Pressure Around Food
Family gatherings can be tricky when your goals aren’t shared. Stephanie explains that not everyone in your whānau will support your health journey, and that’s okay.
She advises setting boundaries, being prepared with your own food, and staying firm in your choices. You don’t need permission to honour your wellness.
4. Managing Alcohol Intake Over the Holidays
Alcohol is often central to Christmas celebrations, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. Stephanie urges listeners to drink water first to avoid mistaking thirst for the urge to drink. Sip slowly and focus on the moment. If alcohol makes you feel sluggish or anxious the next day, it may be time to re-evaluate your relationship with it.
5. Stay on Track with Your Health Goals at Christmas
Consistency matters more than perfection. Stephanie highlights how one off-plan day doesn’t undo all your hard work, but staying mindful over the season can keep your momentum going.
Anchor yourself with the question: how do I want to feel? Let that guide your food, drink, and movement decisions throughout the holiday.
If you're looking to reset your wellness direction heading into the New Year, now might be the perfect time to explore a body shape consultation that can complement your health and wardrobe goals.
6. Why You Should Plan Meals Before Events
Arriving hungry at a party leads to reactive decisions. Stephanie suggests having a balanced snack or meal beforehand to avoid diving straight into sweets or fried foods.
When you show up nourished, you make clearer decisions and stay in alignment with your healthy food choices.
7. What to Bring: Healthy Plate Ideas for Parties
If it’s a potluck, don’t leave your meal up to chance. Stephanie recommends bringing a dish that matches your goals—like a vegetable platter, salad with protein or a healthy sweet treat.
You’ll feel more in control and may even introduce others to a new favourite. Want more practical inspiration?
8. Is It Worth It? How to Judge a 10/10 Treat
Stephanie uses this question constantly with herself and her clients. If something is a “10/10,” then eat and enjoy it. If not, it’s okay to pass. This avoids mindless snacking and helps you reserve indulgence for truly joyful moments.
9. Holiday Binge Recovery Without the Guilt
If you do overeat, don't beat yourself up. Stephanie says the best next step is to hydrate, move, and return to your normal routine. Punishment doesn’t work—self-compassion does. One meal or one day doesn’t define your journey.
10. Hydration Tips to Avoid Overindulging in Alcohol
Hydration is your secret weapon. Stephanie recommends carrying a water bottle or large cup to keep sipping all day, especially in summer.
Being hydrated helps prevent false hunger, supports digestion, and reduces the risk of hangovers. Make water your constant companion.
Rewriting Holiday Routines to Support Wellness Goals
The holiday period can throw off your structure. Stephanie encourages listeners to gently rewrite their holiday routines in a way that protects their wellness goals.
“Moderation is key, and a little indulgence here and there is fine, but it's important to know when to stop.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
This might look like:
Keeping a consistent sleep and movement routine.
Planning meals and shopping ahead.
Making space for rest and reflection.
You don’t have to overhaul everything. Small changes have a big impact when made with care.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Season Without Regret
Christmas indulgence doesn’t need to result in guilt, exhaustion, or all-or-nothing thinking. With mindfulness, planning, and self-compassion, you can enjoy the magic of the season while still honouring your wellbeing.
Stephanie Rumble’s insights from this episode of Style for Life offer a refreshing reminder that holidays can be both joyful and healthy. Whether you’re navigating alcohol intake, aiming to reduce emotional eating, or simply want to avoid the discomfort of holiday overindulgence, her tips offer a clear path forward. Celebrate with intention. Nourish your body. Connect with people. And walk into the new year feeling proud, not punished.
If you’re interested in building more confidence through personal style, explore fashion styling services that empower you to feel great in everything you wear. Or, if you're ready to take the next step in your own career, discover fashion stylist training opportunities led by Stephanie Rumble herself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enjoy Christmas food without overindulging?
You can absolutely enjoy festive treats by being selective and present while eating. Ask yourself if each food is truly a “10 out of 10,” and savour every bite of the things you love most. Eating slowly and tuning into your hunger and fullness signals also makes a big difference.
What’s the best way to stay mindful at social functions?
Prepare ahead by eating something nourishing before the event, so you don’t arrive overly hungry. Stay hydrated and position yourself away from food tables to help you stay focused on conversations, not constant snacking.
How do I make healthy choices when others around me aren’t?
Set gentle boundaries for yourself, and focus on what makes you feel your best. Bringing your own dish to share or deciding on your approach in advance can help you stick to your goals without feeling isolated.
What’s a good way to handle alcohol during the holidays?
Drink water first to satisfy thirst, then enjoy your alcoholic drinks slowly and intentionally. You’ll feel more in control and better the next day. If you’re looking to change your habits long-term, Stephanie’s accountability coaching offers support with lifestyle goals.
How do I reset after a day of festive indulgence?
Give yourself grace and get back into nourishing routines the next day. Drink plenty of water, eat whole foods, and move your body in a way that feels good. There’s no need for guilt—just focus on the next right step.
What makes something a “10/10” treat?
A 10/10 treat is one that brings you genuine enjoyment and is truly worth the indulgence. If it doesn’t feel special or satisfying, it might not be worth it. Learning to make these choices helps build a healthy, empowering relationship with food.
Can I still enjoy the season while prioritising health?
Absolutely! The goal isn’t restriction, but balance. By tuning into what your body needs, planning ahead, and focusing on connection over consumption, you can enjoy the holidays with intention and joy.
What’s the benefit of planning meals before events?
Planning helps you stay in control and feel more confident in your choices. A nourishing meal or snack before you head out can prevent impulsive decisions and support your wellbeing throughout the day.
How do I build better routines after the holiday season?
Start small by re-establishing sleep, hydration, and movement habits. Stephanie encourages building sustainable routines that align with your goals—and her coaching and wardrobe services can support you in that transition.
How can I feel confident in my body and wardrobe for the New Year?
Feeling good starts with understanding what suits your unique body and lifestyle. A colour or body shape consultation, paired with Stephanie’s styling expertise, can help you build a wardrobe that feels fresh, empowering, and truly you.
