It’s that time of the year again. Mince pies, mulled wine, and festive chocolate. And of course the obligatory festive sandwiches that proliferate our favourite lunch stops.
We’re all guilty of going a little bananas once it hits December. It’s Christmas, after all. We promise ourselves we’ll be good once January comes, and we’ll definitely lose those festive pounds. Wouldn’t it be nice though if we got a little head start for 2018? I’m not saying let’s go teetotal or to go on a diet – that’d be horrible – just a few tips to stop us veering entirely off track.
Have a healthy meal before going to parties
It’s inevitable we’ll eat a little too much when we go to any Christmas party, and it’s unlikely the food will be healthy. So cheat a little – have a nutritious, filling meal beforehand so you don’t arrive at the party starving, ready to stuff your face. Granted, you’ll still eat (it’d be wrong not to), but this way you’ll eat and gorge a little less.
Drink the “right” type of alcohol
I daren’t suggest you don’t drink over the festive period. It helps with certain family reunions for one. Alcohol is highly calorific and makes you crave unhealthy food (and greasy food the morning after). So pick your booze wisely. Opt for wine, wine spritzers, and spirits with a low calorie mixer ( vodka with slimline tonic is great). Avoid the likes of beer, punch and soft drink style premixed drink. Small adjustments like this make the world of difference once January comes round.
Don’t abandon your exercise regime
It’s easy to think “well I’m eating more so what’s the point in working out”. Don’t! With the cold weather accompany a full belly, motivation to hit the gym can be harder to come by, but you should still keep active. If you don’t want to go to the gym, go for a brisk walk, commit to a 15 minute home workout in the morning, or even hit the local ice rink. Keeping active will not only keep you in shape, but also set you up for a full on fitness assault after the festive season.
Keep healthy snacks at the office
Co-workers can be the worst when it comes to keeping healthy. Donuts, sweets, chocolates and crisps tend to make more of an appearance during December as colleagues bring in snacks. If you have your own supply of healthy snacks, like fruits and nuts, it makes it a little easier to resist those Krispy Kremes.
Have a good breakfast
The surest way to fill up on sugary snacks, or overindulge at that office lunch, is to skip breakfast. Instead, make sure you make your first meal of the day your most nutritionally balanced. Opt for sugar-free muesli, Greek yoghurt, smoothies or eggs to get your day off to the best start. Check out some of our own smoothie recipes for inspiration.
Do you have any tips on keeping healthy over the Christmas period? Share with them us on our Facebook page!