10 ways to stay healthy this Christmas

6. Keep health in mind

Beware of food labels trying to convince you of what are ‘good’ choices instead focusing on the pure foods that you enjoy. Steering clear of cooked foods and alcohol in leiu of salads and diet cola isn’t the smartest idea. Diet salad dressings are often laden with calories and sugar, and studies show that a high consumption of diet drinks correlates with higher weight. Under-salted food may be a diet disservice. We season our food so it tastes good, and a properly seasoned meal leaves us more satisfied and less likely to binge and over-consume. As Dr. Mike Fenster says, ‘healthful eating isn’t about focusing on the quantity of calories, but rather it’s about the quality of the consumable.’ So pick good-quality foods, locally grown and sustainably sourced that you enjoy – just like you would at any time of the year.