Every single place you visit is full of temptation and it's hard to stay on track.
To most people the idea of the word healthy and Christmas existing together in the same sentence is unrealistic. Christmas is a time where everyone, one one level or another, over-indulges. It tends to be a time of year where your usual routine and plans around how you eat completely change.
Every single place you visit is full of temptation. There's a box of Roses at the reception desk in your local hair salon and your work office is starting to look like Charlie's Chocolate Factory. That is without the events you might be attending, the days out you might be having and the extra treats that fall in to your shopping trolley.
Christmas is a time where we want to enjoy all of the wonderful festive food and offerings. I want to show you that it is is possible to enjoy Christmas and all the treats that go with it without having an extra stone gained by January.
A little thought and consideration goes a long way and at this time of year every little helps.
Every single place you visit is full of temptation. There's a box of Roses at the reception desk in your local hair salon and your work office is starting to look like Charlie's Chocolate Factory. That is without the events you might be attending, the days out you might be having and the extra treats that fall in to your shopping trolley.
Christmas is a time where we want to enjoy all of the wonderful festive food and offerings. I want to show you that it is is possible to enjoy Christmas and all the treats that go with it without having an extra stone gained by January.
A little thought and consideration goes a long way and at this time of year every little helps.
- Don't forget the vegetables. Even if you are having a dinner that is more on the processed side and you couldn't resist the festive ready-meal, add some vegetables. It takes five minutes to steam some vegetables or throw a little stir-fry together. Eating vegetables will make you look and feel better.
- Keep hydrated. You might find yourself going for an extra glass of bubbly or wine over the festive season so it's more important now than ever to keep yourself hydrated. Why not pick up a festive water bottle and make a promise to yourself that you will fill it every day and take it with you in your bag.
- One un-healthy meal does not have to mean the day is written off completely. If you are going out for dinner or attending a party then it could be a good idea to try make the other two meals of the day as healthy as possible. You will probably enjoy the dinner or treat a whole lot more too.
- Choosing wholegrain where possible is a great idea. It increases the fibre in your diet and is great for slow released energy. Whole-grain bread, pasta and rice are readily available and delicious for the whole family.
- Don't be afraid to re-gift boxes of chocolates and selection boxes. We've all done it. If there are five boxes of chocolates and ten selection boxes in the house then you will probably make it your mission to help them disappear by January.
- Whip up a pot of soup for quick lunches and snacks when you don't feel like cooking. Simply add any vegetables you like to a pan with some onion, garlic and herbs. Sweat for a couple of minutes and cover in stock. After twenty minutes you can blitz it until smooth. For something that takes a such little effort, the pay-off is huge.
- After a long day of shopping or activities with the kids try treating yourself to something that is not food related. How about a nice bubble bath, book or scented candle?
- And finally, remember that being too strict on ourselves often results in binging. Allowing yourself a treat to enjoy is healthier for your mind sometimes. If something is off-limits it can feel way more appealing and we can become obsessed.
Written by Tracey Quinn, staff writer with Family Friendly HQ
