INTRODUCTION
The festive season is a time to gather, connect, and enjoy life. But let’s be honest: for many of us, it’s also a minefield of sugar-laden puddings, processed party snacks, and overeating that can leave us feeling bloated, guilty, and sluggish come January.
Whether you’re midway through the 16hrs For Life program or just starting to explore a lower-carb, real-food lifestyle, you might be wondering:
“Can I really enjoy the holidays without losing control?”
The answer is a resounding yes.
This guide to Festive Season Freedom is your practical, compassionate roadmap for navigating the holidays without relying on processed foods, without bingeing on refined carbs, and without missing out on joy.
Who This Is For
- If you’ve done the 16hrs program: You’ve built a powerful foundation. This article will help you protect your progress and turn your results into long-term momentum.
- If you’re new to the program: This is a perfect time to dip your toes in. You don’t have to wait for January to reclaim your health—you can begin right now, and you won’t be alone.
Wherever you’re starting from, Festive Season Freedom is about adding joy, not restriction.
1. Begin With the Right Mindset
The festive season is not a war zone. You don’t need to brace yourself for battle.
Instead, reframe this time of year as an opportunity to practise the exact skills that will serve you year-round:
- Making intentional food choices
- Saying “yes” to what fuels your body
- Saying “no” to what doesn’t, without guilt
This is the mindset that defines Festive Season Freedom.
“This is a lifestyle, not a diet. I get to choose how I want to feel.”
2. Stick to Your Fasting Window (Most Days)
One of the core tools of the 16hrs program is intermittent fasting—typically the 16:8 method (fast for 16 hours, eat during an 8-hour window). If you’ve built this habit, keep it in place during the holidays. If you’re new, it’s a great place to start.
Why it works:
- Supports fat burning and lowers insulin
- Reduces hunger and cravings
- Simplifies your day
Even with festive meals, you can still fast until lunch or even early afternoon, allowing your body time to rest and reset.
Tip: Black coffee, herbal teas, or sparkling water can keep you feeling energised in the morning without breaking your fast.
3. Crowd Out Junk with Real Food
Whether you’re at a buffet, braai, or big family dinner, the best strategy is to crowd out the bad with abundant, delicious, nutrient-dense real food.
Focus on:
- Protein first – roast lamb, turkey, beef, eggs, fish, cheese
- Healthy fats – olive oil, butter, avocado, nuts
- Low-carb veg – Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, green beans
These foods satisfy, stabilise blood sugar, and eliminate the urge to graze all day.
Tip for newcomers: Skip the bread and potatoes at your next meal. Instead, double up on meat and leafy veg—you’ll feel more energised and less bloated.
4. Rethink Alcohol (No Judgement)
We’re not here to demonise wine or say you can’t enjoy a toast. But let’s be clear: alcohol is not neutral—especially when paired with sugar, fruit juice, or beer.
If you do drink:
- Choose dry red or white wine
- Try vodka or gin with soda and fresh lime
- Avoid sweet cocktails, ciders, and beer
And for those early in their journey: consider avoiding alcohol completely until your metabolic flexibility is more established.
Mindset shift: “I don’t have to drink to have fun. I get to choose what supports my goals.”
5. Be the Person Who Brings the Real Food
Whether it’s a Christmas lunch, office party, or family gathering, you don’t have to be stuck eating sausage rolls and sugar-glazed ham.
Instead, bring your own dish—or two—that you know aligns with your goals and tastes amazing.
Some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Roast vegetables in olive oil with herbs
- Cauliflower mash with butter and garlic
- Charcuterie board with olives, cheeses, cured meats
- Devilled eggs with paprika
- Keto chocolate mousse with whipped cream
This isn’t about being awkward—it’s about being prepared and generous.
Tip: Check labels and avoid anything with added seed oils, sugars, or starches. These are the hidden culprits in sauces, marinades, and dips.
6. Notice the Four Hungers
Sometimes we eat because we’re nutrient-deficient. Sometimes because we’re bored, tired, or emotional. In Week 3 of the 16hrs program, we learn to identify:
- Nutrient hunger
- Energy hunger
- Hedonic hunger (pleasure)
- Habitual hunger
Being aware of these helps us respond instead of react.
Pause before reaching for that mince pie. Ask yourself:
“Am I truly hungry—or just tempted because it’s there?”
7. Build a Festive Routine That Supports You
Yes, the holidays disrupt structure—but that doesn’t mean you should abandon all routines. In fact, now’s the time to lean into your personal anchors.
Key routines:
- 8+ hours of quality sleep
- Daily movement: a walk, swim, or simple home workout
- Morning quiet time: prayer, journaling, or intention-setting
“The structure I create is the freedom I experience.”
This is the essence of Festive Season Freedom.
8. Handle Social Pressure with Grace
You will encounter food pushers: “Oh, just one! It’s Christmas!” or “Don’t be boring!”
Here’s how to handle it:
- Smile. Decline politely. Change the subject.
- Have a few gentle one-liners ready:
- “I’ve never felt better eating this way.”
- “I’m trying something new and loving it so far.”
- “That looks amazing, but I’m feeling great as I am.”
Remember: you’re not weird. You’re ahead of the curve.
Reframe: You’re choosing health, clarity, and vitality over 10 seconds of sugar.
9. Visualise the January You
Imagine this: You wake up on 1 January feeling light, clear-headed, energised, and proud.
While others are googling detoxes and squeezing into elastic-waist trousers, you’re already in motion. No shame. No bloat. No backpedalling.
This is Festive Season Freedom in action:
Living in alignment with your future self—even during the silly season.
10. If You’re New: Start Now (Not January)
Still on the fence? The holidays are actually an ideal time to start.
Why?
- You’ll stand out by feeling better—not worse.
- You’ll see just how liberating it is to eat real food.
- You’ll head into the new year with momentum—not regret.
Start with small wins:
- Skip breakfast. Delay your first meal.
- Avoid sugar and ultra-processed carbs.
- Eat more protein and low-carb veg.
- Drink water, not juice or soda.
You don’t need perfection. Just intention.
FINAL WORD: You’re the Gift
Whether you’re 10 weeks into the program or just discovering what “metabolic health” means, the message is the same:
You are the gift this season. Your presence, energy, and vitality matter more than any pudding or pastry.
Choose yourself. Choose your health.
Choose Festive Season Freedom.
Join the Wellness Circle — You’re Not Alone
This journey is easier (and more joyful) when you walk it with others. We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new mobile app, where you’ll find tools, inspiration, and support.
Download the app today to:
- Reconnect with your 16hrs For Life course content if you’re an alumnus
- Access the Wellness Circle, our vibrant, supportive online community forum
- Ask questions, share wins, post recipes, and stay accountable with people who get it
Download here:
Android: Android Mobile App Link
iOS: iOS Mobile App Link
Because health isn’t a solo mission—it’s a community-powered revolution.
Let this be the season you step into the next phase of your journey, surrounded by encouragement, clarity, and momentum.
