Every family starts Christmas Day differently and has their own unique traditions to make the morning extra special. While some people choose to kickstart the festivities with a bubbly Buck's Fizz and fruity panettone, others are keen to wait until lunchtime to save themselves for the big meal.
But holding off from snacking might not be the best way to avoid a Christmas Day slump and afternoon food coma. Registered nutritionist and food therapist Aneequa Godart advises lining your stomachs before indulging. She shares the healthiest breakfast options to prepare you for all the socialising, cooking and present opening on December 25.
Aneequa told the Mirror : "Often people decide to skip breakfast on Christmas in anticipation of a big later in the day.
"However, as most of us eat our main Christmas meal at lunch or dinner time, it's a good idea to have a healthy breakfast to set you up for the day, stop you snacking on that box of chocolates beforehand, and to prevent you overindulging and dealing with indigestion later on."
Aneequa encourages foodies to get into the kitchen and whip up some easy eggs for breakfast, as a trusty source of protein and carbs.
"Combining healthy fats with protein helps you stay fuller for longer, think something like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on wholemeal toast," she said.
"The wholemeal bread also contains whole carbs which release energy slowly and keep your blood sugar balanced."
Or if you've got more of a sweet tooth, oats are always a classic option to keep you full and warm on Christmas Day.
"An alternative is a bowl of hearty porridge made with oats, milk, a spoon of nut butter for protein, and blueberries which are low in sugar," Aneequa added.
"This is full of fibre and slow releasing energy, as well as keeping you nice and full until lunchtime."
While it's important to feed your body at the beginning of the day, it's even more essential to stay hydrated amidst all the indulging.
"It's also crucial to stay hydrated, as dehydration can be mistaken for hunger and cause you to feel tired, and reach for the sugar as a quick energy source," the expert told the Mirror.
"If you're planning on drinking alcohol on Christmas Day, this can help flush out toxins and restore hydration levels."
What do you eat for breakfast on Christmas Day? Let us know in the comments.
