Christmas is a time to have fun and enjoy yourself, and it is normal for us to over-indulge and forget the diet for a few days. However it is easier than you think to enjoy treats and relax while still saying healthy during the holidays, which will help you feel less sluggish and bloated, and give you more energy enabling you have a better time altogether.
- Stay hydrated
Alcohol, sugar and salty snacks dehydrate
the body and leave you feeling bloated and sluggish, by not drinking enough
fluid you also risk getting dry skin and break-outs. Try drinking water
throughout the day and if you are drinking alcohol, make sure you have one
glass of water for each glass of alcohol. If you are suffering from bloating
try adding a slice of lemon, especially first thing in the morning as it will
alkalise your body, boost your energy and kick start your metabolism.
- Keep moving
With all of the great TV shows and films
on it can be tempting to get comfy on the sofa and stay there for most of the
day. Don’t make the mistake of becoming a Christmas couch potato! Burn some of
those calories by getting the family together for a short walk and some fresh
air after dinner, test out your new Wii games or play hide and seek with the
kids, take 20 minutes out to do some yoga, have a dance to your new CD or
simply work out using one of the many quick and easy videos available online.
There are so many easy ways to stay active over Christmas, and even a small
amount of exercise is better than nothing, and you will feel much better for
it.
- Eat your fruit and veggies
Despite all of the wonderful festive food
such as turkey, chocolate and salty snacks, traditional Christmas dishes can
also be healthy. At dinner pile up your plate with delicious vegetables such as
sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, parsnips and carrots. By eating
more veggies you will be getting important vitamins and enzymes which will help
your system to digest all of the other food, while also filling you up so you
are less likely to over indulge on the other treats. Clementine’s, cranberries,
oranges and dried fruits such as dates and figs are also widely available at
this time of year, so make the most of them and enjoy them alongside the not so
healthy stuff.
- Stay motivated
While it is natural to be more relaxed
over the holidays and forget about your usual diet and fitness routine, it is
important to still stay motivated and not just think ‘I’ll start again in
January’. By doing this you could be jeopardising your health and making it
even more difficult to get back to normal in the New Year, after all, healthy
living is not just a Monday to Friday task – it’s a lifestyle. Encourage others
to stay motivated by giving healthy gifts, get the whole family involved with a
Zumba or dance game on the Wii or plan a walk somewhere. Even hitting the sales
for a day of shopping is a good way to stay active.
- Moderation is key
While it is important to stay healthy
during Christmas, no one is saying don’t have fun and enjoy a few treats, just
don’t over-do it. By following the above tips and incorporating little changes
in to your routine you will have more energy, and have an all-round better time
without worrying about struggling to get back to normal in the New Year.
Eat, drink (in moderation) and be merry!
Happy Christmas!
Holly xx
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