Smart swaps, satisfying meals, and a little Nupo magic.
December is a delicious month.
There are 'æbleskiver' (Danish pancake balls) everywhere, glogg (Scandinavian mulled wine) is considered a food group, and somehow there’s always a second round of everything at a Christmas lunch “because why not?”. It’s festive, cosy… and honestly, a bit of a calorie minefield.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to sit on the sidelines with a plate of salad while everyone else enjoys holiday treats. You also don’t need to count every calorie in a mince pie. What you can do is make a few strategic swaps throughout the day—ones that keep you full, satisfied, and in control—so you can say yes to the things you truly want later.
That’s where Nupo One Meals come into play.
Let’s break down how to use Nupo One Meal Smart Food in December.
Why December Feels So… Heavy
It’s not in your head. Studies show that calorie intake spikes significantly during the holiday season. Not necessarily because of the big meals—but because the small, frequent snacks add up:
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“Just one” gingerbread biscuit or one little shortbread
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The mini marzipan bar at the office.
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A slice of leftover rice pudding because it’s Tuesday.
These small extras can easily push you 300–600 kcal over your normal intake per day, without feeling full.
The trick isn’t to remove the treats—it’s to create space for them.
Swap a Snack → Save the Treat
One of the easiest strategies is replacing one or two routine snacks with a Nupo One Meal, e.g. a One Meal Cookie, bar or shake.
Why it works:
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A One Meal Cookie is typically around 250 kcal. A One Meal bar around 200 kcal.
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All Nupo One Meals contain a balanced mix of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, helping you stay full.
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It prevents the “I’m starving—give me the entire box of cookies” feeling.
Examples:
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Instead of a 450 kcal grab-anything afternoon snack →
One Meal Cookie (just ~240 kcal). -
Instead of grabbing bread, cheese, cookies or “whatever is lying around” →
One Meal Shake to tide you over until dinner.
A daily swap like this frees up space for gloegg, othe sweet treats, or a holiday dinner—without pushing your total intake into chaos.
Replace a Meal When You Know the Evening Will Be Big
We all have those days in December when we know tonight’s dinner is going to be a thing.
If you can predict indulgence, you can plan for it.
Using one Nupo One Meal during the day—lunch for example—keeps your calories controlled (typically 200–250 kcal) but still satiating.
For those who like even more control:
Replace two meals per day for only around 200-480 kcal.
That’s an incredibly low-calorie, balanced way to stay full—leaving room later.
Use One Meals for “Fun” Low-Cal Holiday Recipes
You don’t need to be a chef to make December feel lighter. With a little creativity, the One Meal range doubles as ultra-easy, ultra-satisfying festive swaps that keep you full and in control.
Here are a few delicious ideas:
✔️ One Meal Pancakes → “Holiday Brunch Stack”
~200 kcal per portion
Whip up a portion of One Meal Pancakes and add a few berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a teaspoon of light syrup.
It feels like a treat — but without the 600+ kcal you’d get from real holiday pancakes.
✔️ One Meal Cookies → Quick Festive Dessert
~200 kcal per cookie
Warm your One Meal Cookie (Cookies & Cream or Apple Cinnamon) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and top with a couple of fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa.
Perfect when you’re craving something sweet after dinner but want to avoid a 400-kcal bakery cookie.
✔️ One Meal Bars → Christmas “Snack Plate”
~200–215 kcal depending on flavour
Slice your favourite One Meal Bar — Lemon Crunch, Chocolate Mint, Toffee Crunch or Caramel — and pair it with a few apple slices or nuts.
It turns into a cosy, satisfying mini-snack platter that replaces the urge to grab random holiday treats lying around.
✔️ One Meal Shakes → Winter Smoothie Bowl
~200 kcal
Blend your One Meal Shake with a scoop of ice for extra volume and top with a tiny spoon of granola or chopped almonds.
It stays under 300 kcal but feels like a full dessert bowl.
✔️ One Meal Pancakes (again!) → “Evening Saver”
Because they’re warm, comforting and high in protein, pancakes are ideal when you’re tempted by late-night nibbles. A single serving of Nupo One Meal pancakes makes you full and satisfied — instead of diving into gingerbread cookies, chocolates or leftovers - at only ~ 200 kcal per serving.
These smart One Meal swaps feel cosy, festive and satisfying — while helping you stay full enough to avoid mindless snacking before the evening’s holiday indulgence.
Your December Survival Strategy: The 1–2 Swap Rule
You don’t need a rigid plan. Just this:
**Swap 1–2 meals or snacks a day
→ Enjoy whatever you want later.**
When you replace one meal with a One Meal or Diet meal, you’re saving hundreds of calories without feeling deprived.
You’re also avoiding the blood sugar rollercoaster that leads to runaway snacking.
It’s flexible. It’s realistic. It actually works.
What This Is Not About
- This is not about dieting through December.
- It’s not about guilt.
- It’s not about earning your treats.
It’s about supporting your body so you can enjoy the season without the December overwhelm.
- Being mindful.
- Being smart.
- And being able to say “yes” to the things that actually matter—quality time, good food, and moments that make the winter magical.
Final Thought: December Should Be Delicious—Not Stressful
With a few smart swaps, a handful of ready-to-go Nupo meals, and a bit of planning, you can enjoy December’s indulgences and feel good at the same time.
Let the holidays be about joy—not calorie panic.
And when you need support, Nupo’s got your back (and your snacks).
