Feel Good This Festive Season: Beat the Bloat & Skip the Reflux.. while still enjoying yourself!
Also inside: My 2025 round-up, what's to come in 2026 and a festive homemade pâté recipe.
The festive season is officially here! This comes with all the cosy food, sparkling drinks, and long evenings with friends and family. It’s a lovely time… until the bloating, reflux, or “why did I eat that second plate?” feeling kicks in.
If you’re someone who tends to feel the effects of richer food or a busier social calendar, don’t worry. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy every bite and keep your digestion feeling happy. Here’s how.
Why Things Feel a Bit Off This Time of Year
Let’s be honest, December eating is nothing like our normal routine. We eat bigger portions, stay up later, drink more, snack more, and generally lose track of when our last proper meal even was. Add in a little extra stress and some late nights, and the digestive system can get a bit… confused.
Totally normal. Very fixable.
Easy Ways to Prevent Acid Reflux
These little habits help keep that burning feeling at bay:
Eat slowly. No one’s judging how long you take.
Keep portions on the smaller side - second helpings are always an option.
Try not to lie down straight after eating (tempting, I know).
Have richer or spicier foods earlier in the day if you can.
Alternate alcohol with water - it makes a huge difference.
And yes… comfy clothes really do help.
Simple Tips to Reduce Bloating
A few easy wins to keep the tummy turbulence to a minimum:
Pause between courses. Give your stomach a minute to catch up.
Keep hydrated throughout the day (not just when you remember).
Fizzy drinks can add extra gas - be mindful.
A short walk after meals works wonders.
Pleasure Matters!
Please remember: you’re allowed to enjoy festive food. You’re allowed seconds. You’re allowed dessert. This isn’t about restriction, it’s about feeling good while you celebrate.
Pick the moments that feel special, savour them slowly, and don’t stress about trying to be “perfect.” Gentle habits go a long way.
If You Overdo It…
Honestly, it happens to everyone. Here’s a gentle reset:
Taking a short walk to stimulate digestion.
Having warm, calming drinks like ginger or lemon water.
Focus on lighter meals the next day.
Prioritise rest and hydration.
My 2025 Round-Up
I’ve still got a busy couple of weeks ahead, with new clients to welcome and continued support for my existing clients as they move through their health transformations. As I begin to wrap up my clinic for 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year’s journey - and share a little of what’s coming in 2026…
In 2025…
I supported many clients through their health transformations, with some truly amazing results.
I partnered with Soothe Uttoxeter to run a free drop-in nutrition clinic for their clients.
I continued my collaboration with Gym and Tonic Stafford.
I had two contributions published in Women’s Health magazine.
I continued my professional development with the Centre for Practitioner Development.
In 2026…
I’ll continue supporting my wonderful existing clients and look forward to helping many more begin their journeys.
I’ll be completing the Nutritional Therapy for Eating Disorders: Advanced Practitioner Programme with The Eating Clinic, enabling me to support clients with existing eating disorders.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted me with your health in 2025 - here’s to supporting even more of you in 2026!
Recipe: Festive Homemade Mushroom, Lentil and Onion Pâté
You may have seen me share this recipe on Instagram last week. It’s one of my favourite things to make in the run-up to Christmas - so fresh and delicious and far better than anything shop-bought! Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
120g of canned green lentils (weight once drained)
250g chestnut mushrooms sliced
1/2 red onion sliced
3 crushed garlic cloves
Juice of half a lemon
Tablespoon of chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Method
Cook sliced mushrooms, onion and garlic together for about 8 minutes in the extra virgin olive oil.
Add the lentils and cook for 5 more minutes.
Drain the mixture and let it cool for 20 minutes.
Blend with the lemon juice and parsley until smooth.
Enjoy on crackers or crusty sourdough!
Wishing You a Happy and Comfortable Festive Season
I hope these tips help you feel good, enjoy everything on your plate, and make the most of the celebrations without the discomfort.
If you’d like more personalised support for digestion or energy in the new year, I’m here whenever you need me.
My diary is fully booked for the rest of the year and is filling up quickly for January. If you’ve been thinking about working with me, book a chat with me in December to secure your January start date.
Wishing you a cosy and joyful festive period ✨
Lisa x