Overcome the all or nothing mindset
It's easy to fall into the trap of letting our good habits go and over-indulge, only to go to extreme
measures to restrict ourselves in the new year. This can lead to a negative relationship with food
and exercise and ultimately you wont reach your fitness goals.
Create balance
The key to healthy eating at Christmas is all about balance, make sure to eat lots of
nutritious foods alongside your festive favourites. For example, try incorporating fruit,
vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains into your diet. They contain fibre, protein,
vitamins and minerals that are generally low in calories.
Be wary of portion size
Watch portion sizes, it's easy to get carried away when there's lots on the table. One of the
best ways to stay healthy is to be mindful of how much you are eating during each meal.
Eating mindfully and slowly helps you to recognise when you're satisfied, preventing over
eating.
Stay hydrated
With all the festive beverages it can be difficult to remember to drink water. Start the
day off with one glass, this will kickstart your hydration and make you less likely to
over indulge later. Try to opt for water above any drinks high in sugar.
It is recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. With lots of parties
and events booked in during December it can be hard to stick to this but it's important to be
mindful of how much you are drinking. Alcohol can be very high in empty calories and it can
also increase your appetite.
Exercise
Don't forget about exercise. The holidays can be a busy time of year, so it might not be at the
top of your priorities. However, keeping your body moving, whether that be from a walk, run
or a yoga class is vital for keeping you in good health both mentally and physically. Exercise
helps the body to produce serotonin which helps to boost your mood.
Listen to your body
Always listen to your body. You know when you feel full so try not to eat just for the sake of it
because you know food is there. Before grabbing another plate full try to assess if you are
actually still hungry or not.
Stay motivated
Get your friends and family involved, you’ll feel much more motivated to stay healthy if
others are doing it with you. Because of the positive environment, encouragement and sense
of accountability you'll feel more inspired and committed to staying on track.
Healthy eating is all about consistency, not perfection. Focus on making healthy choices but
don't be too hard on yourself. Remember Christmas is a time to have fun, celebrate and
enjoy yourself with loved ones, so don't let healthy living consume you.