5 Things You Can Do in December to Stay on Track

Can you believe it’s already December? This time of year always seems to fly by in a whirlwind of celebrations, obligations, and all the tempting treats that come with the holidays. If you’ve been feeling like your health goals might take a back seat this month, let me reassure you: staying on track doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

In fact, I’m all about being realistic right now—because healthy doesn’t have to be hard!

This year, I’ve stripped things right back and refocused on the basics. My mantra?

Progress over perfection.

If I can keep the wheels turning, feel good, and make it to Christmas in one piece, that’s a win for me!

Why the laid-back approach? For the first time in my NHS career, I’ve decided to take the time between Christmas and New Year off. It feels like such a luxury! While I’ve been lucky to have Christmas Day and Boxing Day off as a GP, the rest of the holiday season has always been a conveyor belt of coughs, colds, and every other winter ailment you can imagine.

This year, I want to stay well so I can truly enjoy this precious downtime—and I’d love to share a few strategies I’m using to approach this month. These are simple, practical tips that you can try, too!

1. Focus on the “Good Stuff” at Meals
Let’s be honest—holiday food is one of the best parts of the season, and skipping your favorite treats just isn’t realistic (or fun!). But here’s a little hack: start with the nutrient-packed options first. Pile your plate with colorful veggies, protein, and healthy fats before reaching for the stuffing or dessert.

Think of vegetables as nature’s multivitamins. They don’t just fill you up; they stabilize blood sugar and pack in nutrients that keep you feeling great. If you’re eyeing a slice of chocolate cake, try having a bowl of veg first—it helps blunt the sugar spike. This is a great tip whether you have diabetes or not!

2. Make Sleep a Non-Negotiable
Busy days and late nights can quickly mess with your sleep routine, but making rest a priority is a game-changer. Even an extra 30 minutes of quality sleep can work wonders for your energy, mood, and sugar cravings.

This December, try creating a nighttime routine that works for you. Whether it’s turning off screens an hour before bed, sipping herbal tea, or writing down tomorrow’s to-dos so they’re not swirling in your head, little adjustments can make a big difference.

3. Just One Thing 
Rather than overhauling your lifestyle, pick one small, manageable habit to add to your day. Maybe it’s a 10-minute morning walk, drinking a glass of water before meals, or practicing mindfulness.

For me, it’s 10 minutes of mindfulness each day. I find it helps me manage the overwhelm and stay grounded during this busy season. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about finding something that makes you feel good and sticking with it.

4. Have a Plan for Sweets
The holidays are a minefield of cookies, chocolates, and all the festive goodies. Instead of swearing off sweets entirely, decide ahead of time what you *really* want to enjoy. When you do indulge, savor every bite mindfully and guilt-free.

By planning your treats, you stay in control—and it’s so much more satisfying than mindlessly munching through a tin of chocolates while distracted!

5. Think January, but Start Now
Why wait for January 1st to focus on your health? Use December as a testing ground to experiment with small changes and figure out what works for you. That way, when the New Year rolls around, you’ll already have a head start.

Whether it’s tweaking your meals, moving more, or getting your mindset right, starting now takes the pressure off January and sets you up for success.

Bonus Tip: Be Kind to Yourself
Above all, remember that this season is about joy, not guilt. If things don’t go perfectly, it’s okay. Every choice is a step forward. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress—big or small.

You’ve got this! 🎉

Warmly,
Dr Nerys