Happy holidays to you all!
It’s that time of year again where there are all kinds of parties, gatherings and celebrations, and while it’s a good thing to take time out to celebrate, we tend to be constantly surrounded by the temptation to over-indulge.
Christmas can be a time of high stress which is not made any easier if you are harboring feelings of guilt for consuming extra calories or not finding the time to keep up with an exercise routine.
However with a little planning ahead you can include time for your health and eat your cake too!
But what if you could enjoy the glorious holiday repast without sabotaging your health?
Here are a few things you could try;
1. Eat a healthy snack before parties
If you have managed to eat something healthy before the party starts (including getting in a healthy breakfast on Christmas Day) you are less likely to want to snack on foods that are not so healthy at the party.
2. Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks
Alcohol is a big source of hidden calories and can result in weight gain not to mention that unpleasant feeling the next day! Try alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, especially water (try soda water with fresh limes if you’re looking for something slightly more interesting). For many people it feels odd not to have a glass in their hand at a party so having a non-alcoholic alternative will keep them comfortable at the party as well as the next day! If you are the party host, make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic options available.
3. Start a new tradition of exercise
If your holiday gathering usually ends with everyone lying around and groaning with the amount they have consumed, why not start a new tradition of going for a family walk before or after the main meal? Or try getting everyone involved in games such as touch football to get them moving!
4. Serve plenty of vegetables
Try filling up your plate with more vegetables to fill up. Not only will you be filling up on less calories, but your body will get the benefit of vitamins such as Vitamin C which just may help with the effects of any alcohol consumption too.
And lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Happy Holidays!
