5 ways to enjoy the festive season

With Christmas fast approaching, it is very easy to be tempted away from your healthy eating habits and your active routine. Here are some simple ideas to help maintain your slim transformation, whilst still enjoying the festive season.

1. Understand that “breaking even” on your weight during Christmas is a big win! Let’s face it, Christmas is a time when, even for the most active of people, will gain a few kilos, so if you can maintain your weight and exercise routine during this time, give yourself a big pat on the back. Gaining no weight is success.

2. Set realistic goals over Christmas. The festive season might not be the best time to aim for your best weight loss result of the year, and if you set goals that are too harsh, you might be tempted to cheat. Instead of weight loss, perhaps your goals for the Christmas period could be to achieve a minimum number of exercise sessions or set a maximum number of drinks you will have with your Christmas meal.

3. Stay hydrated. Did you know our brains often mistake thirst for hunger? If you think you are hungry, you’re more than likely to reach for all the extra treats. Ensuring you drink at least 2L of water per day will not only help you avoid eating for thirst, but it will also help your body flush out any extra toxins from all that festive fun!

4. Practise mindful eating (and drinking!) It is very easy to get caught up in the bottomless drinks and canape platters, but if you are mindful of what you are eating and drinking, and practise having everything in moderation, you are less likely to go overboard when it comes to Christmas indulging. Take your time with eating and be aware of how much you are treating yourself to.

5. Don’t stop moving! You may be a little bit out of rhythm with your normal fitness routine during this time of year, but keeping up your regular exercise helps maintain your metabolism, and it’s a good way to keep ‘health’ at the top of mind too. Arrange time to go for walks or a bike ride with family and friends, try to avoid using the car and visit the local park. All of these will help keep you active and burn those calories.