5 ways to stay healthy over Christmas

Don’t let the silly season get the better of you with these 5 ways to stay healthy over Christmas, as according to the British Dietetic Association, the average Christmas weight gain tots in at 2.3kg. So if you want to keep your diet on course all the way through December, we recommend taking some simple steps to health-proof your body. We’re talking smart, no-nonsense tips that will help you to avoid slip ups whilst still enjoying the odd indulgence. Merry Christmas everyone!

Exercise damage control

December is all about parties, parties, parties, so beating temptation seems virtually impossible when the prosecco is flowing and the canapés are doing the rounds, right? Wrong! Eating well doesn’t have to be such a chore. Skip the sausage rolls and reach for healthier bites instead. Crudite-based nibbles or smoked salmon with cream cheese on mini crispbreads all pass the diet test, so you can munch guilt-free this party season. And when it comes to alcohol, prosecco isn’t such a bad choice since it’s low in calories at around 100 cals per glass and you’ll probably find that the bubbles mean you’ll pace yourself better. Just remember not to overdo it and make a glass or two max your limit.

Stay fit

Don’t use the festive season as an excuse to fall off the fitness bandwagon. Even if your social calendar is overflowing this December, make an extra special effort to fit in exercise. Keep sessions short and targeted – go for a morning jog, use your lunch break for a quick cardio session in the park or get off the bus a couple of steps earlier and power walk the rest of the way to your destination. Your waistline will thank you for it we promise!

Enjoy seasonal food

Seasonal produce doesn’t just taste better, it’s packed with way more nutrients than the ingredients that have flown halfway across the world to reach your local supermarket’s shelves. The winter months boast an array of healthy choice from liver-boosting Brussel sprouts to vitamin C-rich clementines, so make sure to fill your plate with the best the season has to offer.

Keep drinking water

Good old H2O is probably the easiest way to give your body a detoxifying kickstart. When the temperatures drop we often lose sight of thirst, so be sure to drink on the go to avoid dehydration. Keep a bottle of water in your handbag and on your desk and fill up on healthy herbal teas like peppermint, nettle and fennel, which all have added detox properties that will make your skin glow and your tummy flat.

Don’t skip meals

Whether you’re busy gift shopping, striving to meet pre-Christmas deadlines or staying out until the early hours, sticking to three square meals can be a struggle, but eating around the clock is important on so many levels. A balanced diet means sustained energy and less blood sugar highs and lows, fewer cravings and better concentration levels. Aim for three main meals and two snacks every day to keep your body happy.