A unique, free pop-up dining event is arriving this weekend, offering a festive menu tailored specifically for individuals on medical weight-loss programmes.
This first-of-its-kind UK experience has been developed in collaboration with celebrity chef Jack Stein, who has reimagined the traditional three-course Christmas dinner with a focus on balance, flavour, and carefully measured portions suitable for modern dietary needs.
The menu features calorie-conscious dishes crafted to be both satisfying and nutritionally supportive for those with reduced appetites or undergoing weight-loss treatments.
Flavour-packed ingredients such as citrus, miso, and dark chocolate were selected for both their taste and their nutritional benefits, helping to promote energy, satiety, and steady digestion. Lean proteins and fibre-rich vegetables contribute seasonal flavour while supporting sustained fullness and balanced blood sugar.
The festive pop-up, named Season’s Eatings, is being held at Icetank, London, and includes canapé-sized starters such as Cured Salmon with Yuzu Dressing and Wasabi Crumb.
For the main course, diners can enjoy Poached Turkey Breast with Red Cabbage Purée, Charred Sprouts, Lemon-Sage Crumb, Roast Potatoes, Soy-Mustard Mushroom Gravy, and Pomegranate.
Even the classic Christmas pudding has been reinvented, replaced with a lighter option: Dark Chocolate Mousse finished with Burnt Orange Zest.
Vegan versions of each course are also available, including Dark Chocolate Clementine Bites with Pistachio and Sea Salt.
Jack Stein partnered with CheqUp, a clinically supervised weight-management service, to design the pop-up event — open on 14 and 15 November — which aims to support people on medical weight-loss journeys and encourage hosts to rethink festive indulgence. He explained: “Food is meant to bring people together, not divide them.
“The real challenge is making sure everyone feels part of the meal, whatever they eat.
“For me, that’s where the fun begins – finding ways to make dishes full of flavour, colour, and generosity for every plate.
“Using things like black vinegar, soy, miso, or citrus to add depth and balance without relying on butter or cream.
“We’ve used ingredients like lean turkey, oily fish, cruciferous vegetables and citrus to help with satiety and digestion, while the smaller plates mean you can enjoy every flavour without overdoing it.
“Anyone hosting this Christmas can take a similar approach – focus on flavour, texture and balance rather than quantity, and your guests will still feel like they’ve had the full festive experience.”
The launch follows new research showing that more than 5.5 million people in the UK (11 per cent) expect to host someone using weight-loss medication this Christmas, with 64 per cent of users entering their first festive season on treatment.
A survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas — along with 500 individuals using weight-loss injections — found that 58 per cent plan to adapt their eating and drinking habits this December.
Among the most common changes are smaller portions (62 per cent), reduced alcohol intake (52 per cent), and opting for lighter or lower-calorie dishes (52 per cent).
Nearly four in ten (39 per cent) plan to choose alternative desserts or snacks, while almost a third (32 per cent) expect to skip certain festive foods altogether.
The study also revealed which dishes are most likely to be avoided by people on medical weight-loss journeys: yule logs (48 per cent), trifles (48 per cent), and cheese boards (37 per cent) topped the list. These were followed by cauliflower cheese (36 per cent), Christmas pudding (36 per cent), mince pies (34 per cent), and alcohol (32 per cent).
Despite this, some traditions remain non-negotiable, with 19 per cent insisting that roast potatoes must stay on the table. One in ten refuse to give up pigs in blankets or chocolate and sweets.
Hosting trends also appear to be shifting. Buffet or self-serve meals are preferred by 37 per cent of those on weight-loss plans, while 28 per cent favour family-style sharing dishes.
Attitudes to leftovers vary — 39 per cent would ask to take extra food home, while 32 per cent would not. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) feel it would be impolite to leave food uneaten.
Toby Nicol, chief executive at CheqUp, which has shared recipes and guidance for anyone navigating weight-loss needs during the holidays, added: “Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a challenging period for anyone on a medical weight-loss journey.
“We’re seeing a real shift in how people approach the festive season, showing festive joy and considered eating can coexist.
“We wanted to create a space where everyone can enjoy the festivities, delicious food and good company, without having to compromise their health journey.
“Season’s Eatings is designed to inspire hosts and guests with practical, joyful ways to celebrate the season.”