Practical Tips for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Alternate Alcohol With Non-Alcoholic Drinks
You do not need to avoid alcohol completely to reduce its impact.
A simple and effective strategy is to alternate:
One alcoholic drink
One non-alcoholic drink (water, sparkling water, alcohol-free option)
This helps reduce total alcohol intake, improves hydration, and often slows drinking pace without reducing enjoyment.
2. Prioritise Hydration
Aim to start the day with water before coffee or alcohol appears. Keeping a jug of water on the table during meals makes a surprising difference.
Good hydration helps:
Reduce bloating
Support digestion
Reduce headaches
Improve energy levels
Warm drinks such as herbal teas can also be helpful, particularly in the evening.
When the Clocks Change: How Nutrition Can Help You Sleep Better
By Dr Timothy Eden, MBBS
Registered Dietitian from Eden Health and Nutrition
Read time approx. 4mins
As the clocks go back and evenings draw in earlier, many of us start to feel our energy dip. It’s not just “winter blues”; the darker days genuinely affect our body clock (circadian rhythm), which controls when we feel alert or sleepy. Less natural light exposure, particularly in the morning, can make it harder to fall asleep at night and lead to groggy mornings.
I wanted to write about this because I see, in both my GP and dietetic practice, just how many people struggle with sleep around this time of year. Often the first response is to reach for caffeine, sugary snacks or comfort foods to push through the fatigue — yet few people realise how profoundly nutrition and routine can influence sleep quality itself.
Constipation and Fibre: What You Need to Know
By Dr Timothy Eden, MBBS
Registered Dietitian from Eden Health and Nutrition
Read time approx. 4mins
Constipation is one of the most common gut problems we see in the UK, affecting around 1 in 7 adults and up to 1 in 3 children at any given time (1). It usually means having fewer than three bowel movements a week, straining to pass stools or feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels. While it can be an occasional nuisance for many people, persistent constipation can cause discomfort and have a big impact on day-to-day life and is a common reason why people seek input from their GP or dietitians.