Satisfy cravings, curb overeating, and stay in control this festive season with simple snack swaps.
Holidays and indulgence go hand in hand — but that doesn’t mean you have to lose control. The endless trays of cookies, festive treats, and family feasts make it easy to slip into “overeat now, regret later” mode. But this year, there’s a better way.
By making simple, intentional snack swaps, you can enjoy the season while still feeling in control. Protein-packed snacks and functional foods are designed to keep you fuller for longer, reduce cravings, and help you avoid that post-meal slump. The best part? They’re ready-to-eat, so you can stash them in your bag or have them on hand when temptation strikes.
Here’s how to swap wisely this holiday season and keep overeating in check — without feeling like you’re “missing out.”
Why Do We Overeat During the Holidays?
Constant temptation – Every party, event, and table is covered in cookies, cakes, and sweets.
Emotional eating – Holiday stress makes sugary treats feel like a comfort — even if it’s only temporary.
Irregular eating schedules – Skipping meals and eating erratically means you’re more likely to binge at your next meal.
“It’s the holidays” mindset – It’s easy to justify overeating with “I’ll get back on track next year.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to avoid holiday treats entirely — you just need better snack swaps to keep your cravings in check.
Snack Swaps That Help You Stay in Control
Forget the “all or nothing” mindset. The goal isn’t to avoid treats altogether — it’s to make smarter swaps that keep you fuller, happier, and more in control. Check out these easy switches that taste indulgent but work in your favour.
SWAP SUGARY CHOCOLATES FOR SWEET, PROTEIN-PACKED TREATS
INSTEAD OF: Chocolate truffles, candy bars, and sugary desserts.
SWAP FOR: Chocolate-dipped, protein-packed options that crush cravings while keeping you satisfied.
Better Swaps:
- Biogen Protein Choc-Coated Pretzels – The perfect salty-sweet combo that crushes cravings.
- Biogen Protein Choc-Coated Rice Cakes – A crunchy, chocolate-dipped delight that tastes like a cheat, but isn’t.
Why it works: Instead of empty sugar calories, you get protein to keep you fuller for longer. Plus, the sweet-salty flavour combo satisfies cravings on the spot
SWAP HOLIDAY COOKIES FOR PROTEIN-PACKED COOKIES
INSTEAD OF: Butter cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread.
SWAP FOR: Soft, chewy protein cookies that feel like dessert — but are packed with protein.
Better Swaps:
- Youthful Living Gourmet Protein Cookie – It’s a bakery-style cookie, but packed with protein.
- MyProtein Baked Protein Cookie – Chewy, golden, and seriously satisfying.
Why it works: These protein-packed cookies keep you satisfied, unlike sugary holiday cookies that spike your hunger an hour later.
SWAP CHIPS & CRUNCHY MUNCHIES FOR PROTEIN-PACKED CRUNCH
INSTEAD OF: Chips, cheese puffs, and crackers.
SWAP FOR: Crunchy snacks that pack protein instead of empty carbs.
Better Swaps:
- MyVegan Vegan Protein Crisps – Crispy, plant-based, and perfect for crunch cravings.
- Lifestyle Food Almond Snack Pack – Whole-food snacking at its best.
Why it works: Chips are addictive but leave you hungry. Protein crisps and nuts offer crunch and keep you feeling full.
SWAP TRADITIONAL SNACK BARS FOR PROTEIN-PACKED POWER BARS
INSTEAD OF: Sugary granola bars and high-carb breakfast bars.
SWAP FOR: Protein-packed bars that keep you full for hours, not minutes.
Better Swaps:
- Biogen Night Feed Bar – For late-night cravings, this one hits the spot.
- Evox Maxilean Low Carb Bar – A low-carb, high-protein option for better balance.
- USN Trust Crunch Protein Bar – Crispy, crunchy, and packed with protein power.
- 32Gi Premium Whey Protein Bar – Perfect for pre- or post-workout refuelling.
- Grenade Protein Bar – Dessert-inspired flavours but packed with protein.
- Barebells Soft Protein Bar – Soft, chewy, and ultra-satisfying.
Why it works: Instead of carb-heavy bars that leave you hungry an hour later, protein-packed bars give you energy and help you stay full for longer.
SWAP SUGARY DRINKS FOR READY-TO-DRINK PROTEIN SHAKES
INSTEAD OF: Holiday lattes, fizzy sodas, and sugary iced teas.
SWAP FOR: Smooth, delicious ready-to-drink protein shakes that satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full.
Better Swaps:
- Barebells Protein Shake – Smooth, creamy, and packed with protein.
- Primal Protein Shake – No blender needed. Just grab and go.
Why it works: Sugary drinks cause sugar crashes and hunger spikes, but a protein shake stabilises your energy and these are grab-and-go friendly!
SWAP SUGARY DRIED FRUIT FOR WHOLE-FOOD FRUIT
INSTEAD OF: Sugar-laden dried fruits like candied pineapple.
SWAP FOR: Naturally sweet whole dried fruits without the added sugar.
Better Swaps:
- Lifestyle Food Dried Mango Chunks – Sweet, chewy, and naturally delicious.
Why it works: Dried fruit with added sugar spikes blood sugar fast. Natural dried mango chunks offer slow-digesting sweetness.
How to Stop Overeating During the Holidays
Start with Protein – Start your day with a protein bar or shake to avoid mid-morning cravings.
Don’t Show Up Hungry – Eat before you hit a party to avoid mindless eating. Grab a protein bar on your way out.
Keep Snacks Handy – Stash grab-and-go protein snacks in your bag, so you’re never caught “hangry.”
Balance Indulgence – Enjoy the festive treats you love, but balance them with functional snacks like protein cookies and shakes.
Stay in Control This Holiday Season with Smart Swaps
You don’t need to avoid indulgence altogether — just swap smarter. From protein-packed snacks to on-the-go shakes, these simple changes help you curb cravings, feel fuller, and stay in control.
This holiday season, you’ll feel good — not guilty.
