It’s upon us, this year’s festive season, and with it the joys as well as risks of falling off the bandwagon. You have worked hard all year to live your best life. Don’t waste those hours you spent eating well and hitting the gym. Be clever this Christmas, and know how to have a happy healthy Christmas. Stick to a few basic rules and you will have a fabulous time.
Sit down and plan your gym routine now.
Put it in your diary. This is a non-negotiable this season. If you can’t keep up your normal gym routine in the coming weeks, make sure to still make the gym a priority and don’t skip it altogether. You can stay on a maintenance routine, just ask your PT.
Keeping in your normal routine and exercising gives you loads of benefits –
- Physical: you stay active, fit and keep weight off.
- Mental: exercise relaxes you and makes you happy.
Treat the Gym as your ultimate stress-buster. Go to the Gym!
Stick to a healthy eating routine.
Don’t skip meals. Stick to smaller portions when going out. For those meals eaten at home: pack in the protein, esp. at breakfast and lunch. Fill up on low-calorie fibre-rich foods such as salads and green vegetables. They keep you fuller longer.
When eating with other people, allow yourself to make your own decisions on food. If you are going to eat out a lot, set your own boundaries. Make some rules around going out and food. Eat a salad starter, and opt for the lower-calorie main option.
When going to a gathering, eat before you go and make strict rules around which foods you will refuse (e.g. “yes” to veg sticks and nuts, “no” to crisps, etc). Maybe bring your own snack or meal. Bring enough to share, so the others can try. Don’t be afraid to upset people around you, they will admire your willpower.
Go easy on the alcohol.
We all know the pitfalls here. Some basic rules to keep you safe:
- Alternate alcoholic drinks and water. For every glass of wine or pint of beer you drink, ensure you have a large glass of water. It will reduce the amount of alcohol you take on and keep you hydrated. Simply ask for a glass of tap water on the side.
- Remember that alcohol is pure sugar. You are drinking loads of empty calories here. Not only do they add up to weight gain, they also put stress on your body to maintain the fitness and muscle you have built over the years. Go easy!
- Fake an upset tummy or pretend you had a lot to drink only a couple of nights ago and are taking it easy. “White lies” are permitted if they mean you get away without being pressured by your mates into excess drinking.
Beware of random snacks.
Chocolates pop up everywhere around Christmastime. Whether you’re heading into a shop, the office break room, your mate’s house, or to the counter of your local supermarket. We are inundated with an offering of sugary chocolates. Again, make a rule to say “no” to everything here. You have eaten enough Celebrations and Roses to last you a lifetime. Instead, allow yourself a healthier snack like 80% + chocolate, or better yet a piece of fruit.
Stay hydrated.
There’s nothing worse than feeling unwell simply because you have not been drinking enough water. Dehydration makes you feel tired and sluggish, gives you headaches, and can make you feel bloated to the point of causing digestive upsets. Also, you are sitting in dry warm air inside a lot, drink 1l of water in the morning and afternoon. If you have been our drinking alcohol, make sure to rehydrate with plenty of water the next day. Keep a bottle with you wherever you go.
