Eating well throughout this festive season is really tough! Whether you are out every night at something or sitting in watching TV in front of a roaring fire and sparkly tree, temptation is all over the place. And sure we deserve it, don’t we? It is Christmas after all! Comfort eating is also an issue at a time that can dark evenings, financial stress, loneliness, the list goes on.
The key to eating healthily is eating in moderation. Enjoy your Christmas dinner (imagine the average Christmas dinner is over 3000 calories!), indulge yourself, however there is no need to overindulge.
Here are my top 10 tips for making healthy choices in the silly season. These are easily achievable so give them a go…
- If you eat an unhealthy meal make sure your next meal is a healthy one.
- Drink more water. We often mistake thirst for hunger. Try to have between 6 to 8 glasses per day.
- Keep healthy snacks close by. It is easy to reach for a chocolate or biscuits when they are absolutely everywhere. If you have healthy snacks with you at work, in the home or in your handbag you are less likely to eat junk food.
- Sleep! Getting at least 7 hours sleep a night will get you through the season feeling better. It is also great for the waist line. People who sleep over 7 hours a night are more likely to be a healthier weight than those getting less than 7 hours a night.
- We are known as a nation of drinkers. However, binge drinking is much worse for you than having a glass of wine with your dinner every now and then. If you are on a night out make every second drink a water, avoid cocktails (these are calorific!) or have a shandy. If you are trying to lose weight step away from those fizzy drinks and have sparkling water instead.
- Choose desserts that are lower in calories e.g. meringue or sorbet are lower in calories than chocolate cake or Christmas pudding.
- If you are eating out tomato based dishes are better for you than cream based ones.
- Take some exercise it is great for both mind and body. Although to burn off 1 pint of beer and 1 large slice of pizza you will need to run at least 5km.
- Eat a good breakfast. Yes, we all know this but one in three of us still don’t do it! There are lots of ideas here
- Finally, have fun. The less stressed we are the better our bodies work and we are more likely to make healthy choices.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, full of happiness and good food.
Laura x