Hosting the clan this year and realised you’ve left all the planning to the last minute? We feel you. Luckily, nutritionist, recipe creator and author Emily English aka Em the Nutritionist, has your guide to keeping the cortisol down when you’re busy in the kitchen, as well as how not to stress about over-indulging.
Here’s her 5 key takeaways — and her go-to easy and healthy recipes to whip up in a hurry.
Do indulge, but remember the basics
Health is determined by the choices we make throughout the year, not just a few weeks at Christmas. Relax and don’t overcomplicate things. Enjoy everything this time of year has to offer, but don’t throw all your healthy habits out the window. Keep moving, stay hydrated, and eat plenty of whole foods alongside the indulgent treats. It’s about balance — enjoy yourself, but make small, mindful choices to help you feel your best through the season.
Homemade gifts will impress your guests
I love giving guests a little gift to enjoy the next day — it’s such a thoughtful way to extend the festive spirit. My go-to is a bag of homemade granola. I have a great recipe that’s simple to make, and it’s always a hit. Adding a hand-written note or tying it with a festive ribbon makes it feel extra special. It’s a small touch that leaves a lasting impression and shows your guests how much you care.
Stick to dishes you know and cheat the pigs in blankets!
The biggest mistake people make when hosting is overcomplicating things. My top tip is to prepare as much as you can in advance. Every professional kitchen swears by this, and it makes such a difference. Stick to dishes you know and love — trying something new for the first time can add unnecessary stress. For canapés, keep it simple and elegant, like smoked salmon blinis — they’re timeless, delicious, and easy to eat in one bite. Hosting should be enjoyable, so focus on what works for you and let go of the pressure to impress. And honestly, just buy your pigs in blankets pre-wrapped — it saves so much time, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Buy kitchen gear which makes your life easier
There are a few essentials that I swear by to simplify Christmas cooking. Silicone baking mats are brilliant — they save you from scrubbing trays and make cleanup so much easier. For prepping vegetables quickly, I love using a mandoline or a julienne peeler; they make slicing and chopping a breeze.
And don’t stress over the pressure of the ‘new year, new year’ mentality
For 2025 I want to let go of unrealistic expectations and quick fixes. If you can’t see yourself sticking to something for the rest of your life, then it’s probably not worth starting. I’m done with extreme New Year’s resolutions that only lead to guilt or frustration. For me, 2025 is about embracing balance, sustainability, and self-compassion. I’m saying goodbye to perfection and guilt around food, exercise, or self-improvement, and focusing on realistic habits that feel good and work for the long term. Life’s too short to chase impossible goals!
Haven’t planned our menu? Here’s 2 easy meal ideas you can serve for Christmas guests
For a sweet brunch: Cinnamon Snow French Toast
Serves 2, make in 25 minutes
This French toast is lighter than most traditional recipes because it uses egg whites to create the most wonderful fluffy texture. High in protein, fibre from wholemeal and blood sugar stabilising cinnamon makes this a sweet but healthy option.
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Method
Rebalance Turkey Soup: For the Boxing Day leftovers
One portion, make in 15 minutes
After a few days of drinking and indulgent eating I always crave something light and nourishing. I use some of the leftover Turkey (you can use Chicken too) to create the warming broth with ginger to soothe my gut and digestive system. A bowl of feel good, when you need a little reset.
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SO GOOD by Emily English, published by Seven Dials, is available in Hardback and eBook, £25. blackwells.co.uk
