10 ways to stay healthy this Christmas

Striking a balance at times of celebration is tough, but we’ve got the secrets to bring you the 10 ways to healthy this Christmas without sacrificing the good times

As well as being filled with happiness and sparkle, the Christmas party season can be tiring and stressful, putting a strain on both your physical and mental health. The need to be constantly on the go and smiling with it makes it one of the most demanding times of the year. That’s why we’ve got 10 tips to approach the Yuletide season with a healthy balance.

1. Eat Christmas dinner

You might be surprised but the traditional Christmas dinner is actually one of the most balanced meals out there. Turkey is a great source of the neurotransmitter tryptophan, which is needed to make feel-good serotonin in the brain, and contains B vitamins that are essential for healthy brain function. It’s a good time to dose up on vegetables – pick Brussels sprouts for a serious dose of vitamin C, carrots packed with beta carotene and lutein for eye health, and high-in-fibre parsnips. Roast potatoes are a great source of potassium, flavonoids and chemicals called kukoamines which help to lower blood pressure (extremely useful when packed around a too-small table with the in-laws).