Christmas is only 9 days away!! I know, crazy right?! Of course with Christmas comes the endless amounts of mince pies, mulled wine and lots of other delicious treats. And of course the most important part enjoying the festivities with family, catching up with friends and enjoying some romantic walks on the beach or in the countryside with your loved one.
However this doesn't mean you have to unwind all the hard work you have been putting in throughout the year, so I have come up with 10 ways you can stay healthy this Christmas and still be able to enjoy yourself too, it's just all about BALANCE.
1. Indulge in The Very Best
Only indulge in the very best of your mum's, nan's or aunties chocolate specials, rather than all the cheap chocolates you don't really enjoy and are simply eating and consuming calories because they are sat in front of you. By doing this you change the mind set of deprivation and focus on one of satisfaction.
2. Buffet Brain
Now lets be realistic about this...Everyone of us is going to be faced with a festive buffet at some point over the holidays. But rather than filling your plate with complete rubbish try and fill it with foods that hold nutritional value.
A sneaky trick for those of you holding a buffet: rather than buying dips why not make your own guacamole and salsa? Its quick a simple and 100 times healthier for you. You can also make your own chicken skewers with roasted veg.
3.Stay Hydrated
With Christmas comes champagne, prosecco, baileys and many other alcoholic beverages so it is even more important to stay hydrated. It is recommended that for every alcoholic drink you consume you should drink 1 pint of water in between. Also drinking before every meal will help you feel fuller and therefore reducing the possibility of over eating.
4. Workout in the Morning
So no one really wants to go to the gym in the middle of the day when everyone else is at home enjoying some sort game or other activity families get up to over Christmas. The best kind of workouts can be completed at home and only have to be between 10-30 minutes to be effective. Some simple HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) exercises first thing can set you up for the day and if any spontaneous plans crop up you know you're not going miss out.
5. Get Outdoors
Completing a morning workout doesn't have to be the only way you stay active over the holidays. Get outdoors on a long walk and aim to move your body everyday. An added extra of getting yourself out is that you will get and added dose of Vitamin D making you feel more alert and less sluggish.
6. Pre Party Prep (eating is not cheating)
If you're heading on a big night out don't be tempted to skip a meal to try and save calories as you will starve yourself of the valuable nutrients your body will need to detoxify the day after.
Top Tip: aim to eat a well balanced meal a few hours before heading out
7. Winter Proof Yourself
The winter is always full of people walking around full of colds. Winter proof yourself by supporting your immune system and giving it a boost with these spices: turmeric, garlic, chilli and ginger. These will also make your food taste incredible. Why not try an make a flavoursome chicken curry using at least 2 of the above ingredients. Click here for a recipe
8. Alcoholic Choices
Alcohol = empty calories. If you are going to be drinking then sticking to spirits is better (calorie wise) then having wines and beers. The mixers are the main culprit for high sugar and calories, so instead of having diet coke, coke, lemonade or fruit juices try soda water or slimline tonic.
9. Take Care of Your Skin
Winter is a time that can be harsh on the skin due to the cold air outside and the central heating inside drying it out. To avoid the skin feeling dry ensure to moisturise daily, or try using coconut oil which helps your skin feel soft as it is full of vitamin E and healthy fats. Rub it into your face and body or put some in a bath to soak in.
10.Spend Time Doing What Makes You Happy
Whatever it is you decide to get up to this Christmas, be it a long walk, reading a book next to the log fire, catching up with friends or spending quality time with loved ones remember to enjoy yourself and do something that makes you happy.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Jess x
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