Want to survive the mince pies, puddings, and festive feasts without paying for it later?

Hello, and welcome back to Reset with Rachel.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but as the merry-go-round of food starts, it can also be a moment when our bodies remind us we’re not in our twenties anymore.

Many of us reach midlife and discover that meals we once sailed through now require a bit more thought. Hormones shift, digestion slows, and certain foods that once felt fine suddenly leave us bloated and sluggish. Add rich festive dishes, extra glasses of fizz, and the pace of December, and it’s no wonder our stomachs can feel overwhelmed.

This year is not about stepping back from the fun. It’s about adapting so you can enjoy all the flavours and celebrations without discomfort. Think of this guide as a calm, practical way to look after your digestion while still embracing everything you love about Christmas.

Your Midlife Digestion Cheat Sheet is here!

Simple Things You Can Do to Aid Digestion

1. Just eat

   When your mind is elsewhere, wrapping presents, writing a to-do list, or chatting, digestion tends to take a back seat. Make meals the main event. Sit down, put your phone aside, and savour the delicious food in front of you. When you focus on what you are eating, your body prioritises digestion, helping everything from stomach acid to enzymes work more efficiently.

   Even a mince pie appreciates a little attention.

2. Eat slowly

   Put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls and give your body time to respond to the taste, smell, and sight of food before it lands in your stomach. This reduces bloating and post-meal fatigue, and gives you a moment to notice when you’re comfortably full rather than past the point of no return.

   
   

3. Chew properly

   Have you ever counted how many times you chew before swallowing? Chewing breaks food down and mixes it with saliva, making digestion easier. Think of it as giving your stomach a head start; it will thank you later, especially after a big festive meal.

   
   

4. Go easy on drinks with meals

   Too much liquid while you eat can dilute digestive juices. Try taking small sips rather than glugging back a full glass.

   
   

5. Keep an eye on portion size

   Leaving a little space in your stomach makes the mechanics of digestion smoother. It helps to serve a portion on a plate rather than grazing. I always think Christmas buffets are wonderful until I realise I have no idea how much I’ve eaten!

   
   

6. Give your digestive system a rest

   Aim for at least a 12-hour gap from dinner to breakfast, and leave 3–4 hours between meals. Constant nibbling is one of the biggest culprits of Christmas bloating and sluggishness. Think a post-meal Christmas movie with a cup of tea rather than a bowl of treats.

Extra Festive Tips

• Limit indulgence to one decadent meal a day

  Your stomach deserves a fighting chance. Enjoy your favourites without any guilt, but choose wisely. Skip the things you do not really love and save your appetite for the food that genuinely brings you joy.

  
  

• Move gently after meals

  Get up and move after meals; this is the best time to go for a walk. Even a ten-minute stroll helps your body move food along more comfortably.

  
  

• Herbal helpers

  These small habits and choices can make a real difference, and pairing them with soothing teas can give your digestion an extra boost. Peppermint, ginger, or fennel tea can ease digestive discomfort after a meal that was a little larger than planned.

My current favourites:

• For when I’m feeling like a sweet treat but don’t want to reach for the biscuit tin: Pukka Peppermint & Liquorice

• Post-supper sofa companion: Pukka Relax with Camomile, Fennel and Marshmallow Root 

Support Your Gut Before the Meal Begins

Alongside these simple habits, you can also give your digestion an extra layer of support before the meal even begins.

For some people, a digestive enzyme supplement can make a real difference. I recommend Pippa Campbell DIGEST.

When your body does not produce enough enzymes, food is not broken down properly, and nutrients are not absorbed as well. This can slow digestion and lead to bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps or loose stools. A supplement can take the pressure off the system at times when meals are heavier or more varied than usual.

Enjoy 10% off here

shop.pippacampbellhealth.com

Digest (digestive enzymes)

My PCH Digest is a premium broad-spectrum plant digestive enzyme formulation that supports optimal digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Including specialist support for digestion of gluten, lactose, cellulose and legumes. When your body has insufficient enzyme production, then it may be unable to properly bre

Final Thoughts

Christmas is for enjoying, not stressing over every bite. The trick is learning to adapt. With a few supportive tweaks, your digestion works with you rather than against you, and you can savour everything without the uncomfortable aftermath.

Here’s to enjoying festive food, fizz, and fun, and still feeling like yourself come New Year.

P.S As always, you’re welcome to get in touch for a chat about how a Reset could help.  When you’re ready to strengthen your healthy habits and feel more at ease with food, a Reset and Refocus session with me can work wonders.