Christmas Swaps: Enjoy the Festive Season Without the Extra Calories!
Weekly Welcome – from Clare
Hey Everyone! This time of year can feel like one big food-and-drink marathon, and it’s easy to think you have to either let it all go or be super strict.
But the truth?
Small, smart swaps can save you hundreds of calories while keeping all the flavour, fun and festive spirit.
No restriction. No guilt. No all-or-nothing.
The Christmas Swap Strategy
Christmas food is amazing.
But it’s also calorie-dense, not because it’s “bad”, but because it’s rich, boozy, buttery and plentiful.
The goal isn’t to miss out.
It’s about making simple swaps that let you still enjoy every bite and feel good afterwards.
These swaps don’t change the meal - they just make it lighter, easier on digestion and a LOT kinder to your waistline.
Let’s get into the good stuff…
5 Christmas Food & Drink Swaps That Actually Work
🎄 1. Turkey > Goose or Gammon
Turkey breast is lean, high-protein and half the calories. You still get all the festive flavour without the extra fat.
🥔 2. Roasted Potatoes in a Spray Oil > Goose Fat
Crispy, golden and 200+ calories saved per portion, and no one will know the difference.
🍷 3. Prosecco > Mulled Wine
Mulled wine can hit 250+ calories a glass. Prosecco is around 80. That’s a BIG win.
🧀 4. Lighter Cheese Board > Full-Fat Everything
Swap:
• Brie for a lighter soft cheese
• Butter crackers for oatcakes
• Salami for grapes & nuts - Still delicious, with way more volume and fewer calories.
🍰 5. Mini Desserts > Full Portions
Choose small bakes, mini mince pies or a half slice. Same flavour hit, fewer calories, and you don't finish the night feeling stuffed.
3 Festive Mistakes That Sneak Calories In
🚫 1. Drinking Your Calories Without Realising
Creamy coffees, festive hot chocolates, mulled cider… these add up FAST.
Choose one you really want, and enjoy it mindfully.
🚫 2. Letting Nibbles Become a Meal
Cheese, crisps, nuts, and sausage rolls - grazing can hit 1,000 calories before dinner even arrives!
Serve snacks in bowls, not big sharing boards.
🚫 3. Choosing “Tradition” Over Preference
You don’t have to eat foods you don’t love.
If you don’t like Christmas pudding… don’t eat it.
Save calories for the things you enjoy.
Your 7- Point Christmas Swap Checklist
Before you tuck in, ask yourself:
1️⃣ Have I swapped at least one festive drink for a lighter option?
2️⃣ Am I choosing a lighter protein option that keeps me fuller (Beans, turkey, chicken, fish)?
3️⃣ Can I lighten how I cook something (spray oil, air fryer, less butter)?
4️⃣ Do I really want this snack, or is it just there?
5️⃣ Can I make desserts mini instead of massive?
6️⃣ Have I added extra veg to increase volume without calories?
7️⃣ Can I drink water between alcoholic drinks to pace myself?
Want More Smart Festive Strategies? 🎁
I’ve created a FREE Christmas Survival Guide filled with :
✨information to help you understand what makes you make food choices
✨ 20 easy-to-follow rules for getting you through the Christmas party season
It’s yours completely free - because I want you to enjoy Christmas and feel in control.
🎁 Download your guide here → https://www.clarebennettcoach.uk/7-day-plant-based-meal-plan
📅 Or book your FREE 20-minute Health Audit if December feels chaotic → https://linktr.ee/clarebennettcoach
This week’s lesson to share…
Most people don’t overeat because they’re hungry - they overeat because Christmas is chaos.
But a calm plan beats festive overwhelm every time.
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📅 What’s Coming Up
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Contact reception: 01482 503020 / 07766223155
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Meet Clare
Clare is a pragmatic and empathetic leader who combines loyalty, tenacity, and curiosity to create innovative, practical solutions for health and well-being. Known by her family as “Mum’ll fix it!”, she embodies a get-it-done mindset, tackling challenges head-on and finding practical, sustainable answers.
As a coach, creator, and motivator, Clare champions people in believing in themselves and taking small, consistent steps toward long-term change. She believes exercise and nutrition should always be personal, adaptable, and practical, ensuring strategies fit seamlessly into real life.
Her approach is understanding, considerate, and kind, but also driven by a strong sense of accountability and follow-through. Sociable and approachable, Clare builds trust quickly, making her both relatable and inspiring.
Above all, Clare creates healthier, more content lives - combining innovation with empathy, leadership with kindness, and strategy with action.
You can work with Clare in the pole or aerial studio - Pole 4 Fitness, at AOF Champions Gym or join her online.
Clare believes everyone knows what to do to live a healthier lifestyle, but what it takes to get there is personal to each person. We are all different, so we need a plan that works for you!
Keep nourishing your body and flourishing in your fitness journey.