How do you deal with the season of giving – and eating? We ask doctors and diet experts how they keep their waistlines in check during Christmas.

Turkey, minced pies, Christmas puddings – the list goes on. The season of merriment and festive indulging is ‘nigh, but it doesn’t give you a free pass to eat everything at the buffet spread. We asked doctors and health experts what they do to avoid eating too much at year-end parties.

Tip #1: Have high-fibre foods first

“I avoid overeating by filling up on high-fibre foods before anything else. This usually means fruits or salads with very little dressing.”

– Dr Tey Beng Hea, senior consultant endocrinologist, Jurong Health 

(Also read: Wholesome Christmas Dinners That Pack Less Guilt)

Tip #2: Maintain regular balanced meals

“I make it a point to have regular balanced meals, so I don’t end up overeating at parties. It’s easy to eat a lot when you’re happy.”

– Dr Peter Chen, director, Crawfurd Medical 

Tip #3: Don’t mingle near food

“If I am at a stand-up event, I try not to stand near any tables of food or snacks to prevent absent-minded eating. Uncontrolled grazing can amount to a significant increase in calories.”


– Dr Naras Lapsys, nutrition and longevity specialist, The Wellness Clinic

Tip #4: Stick to the healthy foods at buffets (or exercise after!)

“At a buffet, I usually stick to salads as well as baked and steamed dishes. If I’ve over-indulged, I make sure I work out for an extra 30 minutes the next day and watch my diet the following week.”

– Dr Tong Khim Leng, chief and senior consultant cardiologist, Changi General Hospital

Tip #5: Eat only what you like

“At Christmas, I eat only the foods I like and really want to eat – and not just because something’s been placed in front of me.”

– Dr Gwee Kok Ann, medical director and consultant gastroenterologist (Gleneagles Hospital), Stomach Liver and Bowel Clinic 

(Also read: 5 Things You Must Do to Avoid Overeating This Festive Season)

Tip #6: Don’t eat too many festive treats

“I try not to exacerbate my already frazzled nerves by limiting my intake of festive treats. Too many goodies throw my blood sugar level off-balance, causing me to feel lethargic and irritable.”

– Dr Julinda Lee, gynaecologist and obstetrician, Age Management & Wellness Medical Centre by Dr Julinda Lee 

Tip #7: Have small portions

“I let myself indulge in Christmas treats like pudding and cake, but I go easy on the portions. Healthy serving sizes would be a matchbox-sized portion of fruit cake, half a mini mince pie or three cookies.”

– Sarah Sinaram, head of nutrition and dietetic services, Mount Alvernia Hospital

Tip #8: Take tiny helpings of desserts

“Christmas dessert displays are super tempting. I always survey the spread before deciding what to eat. Grouped together, they look amazing but when I scrutinise each one, I’d notice if they’re too dry or have too much cream on them, and then I’d think to myself: ‘Nah’. I only go for sweets that look good and make sure I take tiny helpings.”

– Jaclyn Reutens, clinical and sports dietitian, Aptima Nutrition & Sports Consultants 

Tip #9: Hydrate with this juice blend recipe

“I make a juice blend of fresh celery, beets, cucumbers and green apples, and drink it twice a day to hydrate my body and replenish the antioxidants.”

– Dr Vanessa Phua, registered laser physician, Asia Health Partners 

(Also read: 11 Healthy & Tasty Juice Combinations You Haven’t Tried Before)

Tip #10: Go raw after

“I go raw after all the indulgence, loading up on fresh salads of lettuce, celery, green apples, walnuts and red grapes. Instead of mayonnaise, I dress mine with cold-pressed olive oil and fresh lemon juice.”

– Susie Rucker, nutritional therapist, Rucker Nutrition