Comedy and wellness duo The Gavin Sisters have revealed their top tips to staying healthy at Christmas.
Sharon and Lauretta Gavin from North London, who run The Detox Barn wellness retreats, know only too well how it feels to have an over-indulgent Christmas that you live to regret.
“We’ve been there,” said Sharon. “There were many years in the past when we ate, drank, over-did it in every way at Christmas and actually, because of that we didn’t enjoy it as much as we could have done. We’ve realised since then that there are some simple steps we can take to avoid feeling rubbish at Christmas, to enjoy it more and to feel energised and healthy at the end of it all.”
The Gavin Sisters have their own transformational health journey to tell – having gone from stressed, red wine-drinking Chinese take-out aficionados to thriving advocates of a more healthy, plant-based lifestyle…..all sparked by Sharon’s diagnosis with a rare autoimmune disease 10 years ago which left her wheelchair-bound at times.
The pair – who live and work together – opted for a plant-based diet, went alcohol-free and built exercise and other healthy habits into their lives. Now, over a decade later the pair are healthier and happier than ever and now help others on their own health journey through their wellness products, retreats and comedy shows.
So here are their tips to having a healthy Christmas…….
1. Start your day with something healthy – the decisions we make first thing in the morning affect every choice we make after that. It sets the tone for the day. This way, even if we indulge later, we’ve at least started with something nutritious.
2. Hydrate – drink water with a spoonful of chia seeds any time of the day. It’s a great way to hydrate your cells and provides a fantastic source of omega-3s and fibre. We also add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar—it helps regulate blood sugar, making you less likely to experience cravings.
3. Move – it sounds obvious, but getting outside and breathing fresh air is incredibly beneficial. When we’re feeling groggy, it’s often the last thing we want to do, but it’s the one thing that will make us feel better. If you’re feeling reluctant, attach a reward—maybe a cappuccino or a hot chocolate afterwards. Focus on how great you’ll feel after your walk or run, not how you feel in the moment.
4. Be mindful of alcohol intake – as teetotallers and former drinkers, we know how challenging it can be to moderate at Christmas. Here are our tips: If you don’t want to drink, you’re not alone. However, there can be enormous pressure from those around us. So, have alternatives on hand. There are plenty of alcohol-free beers and mocktails available. If you opt for sparkling water, ask for a nice glass—sometimes a champagne flute helps you feel included while staying on track.
5. Prioritise sleep – we absolutely love sleep! Everything is better after a good night’s rest, so make it a priority. Sleep affects our food choices, our mood, and our energy levels, so getting enough rest will help you feel your best throughout the Christmas period.
6. Focus on time with loved ones – these moments of connection are truly what make this time of year so special. Avoid the toxic friends and spend time with people who lift you up and make you laugh!
The Gavin Sisters run their Detox Barn Wellness Retreats throughout the year, with bookings now available for 2025. They also host The popular Gavin Sisters Wellness Show podcast. Find out more at the website here.
- Lauretta and Sharon Gavin