Festive Tips

As Christmas is almost up on us here is some festive tips. Christmas is almost always a time of over indulgence. It' not a time to deprive yourself but a time to enjoy the food you love with the people you love. At Christmas it is all about damage limitation, not deprivation but be in control. If there is something you really crave then have it but only have one portion. If that's a baileys then have one on the rocks. If it's your favourite pudding go ahead and have a slice (see label for serving size). Don't graze sticking in a bit off everything going. Fancy a tipple? Make wise decisions, avoid the mulled wine, baileys, syrupy drinks, cocktails and sugar loaded mixers. Have a gin and tonic with a slice of fresh lime. Slow it down and enjoy it. Alternate alcohol with water or a sugar free soft drink. Pace your self. Try to stick to spirits as these are lower in calories due to being low in sugar or fat. Limit your alcohol intake. We all know alcohol can lead to unwise decisions and lead to unhealthy food choices(like the Saturday night kebab) and more of it. This will only leave you feeling guilty and rubbish on boxing day. Think before you eat. So if you want chocolate cake have a slice not the whole thing. Portion food correctly there is no needed to pile up the plate like presents under the tree, it's not a game of buckaroo. I'm not going to suggest saying no to Christmas dinner and pudding just take time to think about what you will enjoy the most and don't go over board just because its there. Go on have a chocolate, have a pudding but eat it for pleasure. Have plenty of veg but don't go crazy roasting everything. Steam or boil as many as possible, avoid oils and butter. Avoid the turkey skin and goose fat roast potatoes, stick to vegetable oil. Swap sugar loaded cranberry sauce for a home made sauce. Why not heat up some cranberries in a pan add and sweetener for a healthier cranberry sauce? Eat slowly. Eating slower and savour the flavour. This will also help with digestion leaving you less bloated and helps the brain to notice your eating. Don't have seconds or pudding straight away. Give the brain time to catch up. Play a game with the family, wait 30 mins then decide if there is room. Keep moving. Go for a walk, play active games, use the new bike or scooter. Take the dog for a walk. Play charades. Play on a Wii, XBOX move or PSVR. The kids will love it. Boxing day. Be merry not guilty. If you over indulgence don't let it get you down today is a different day. Have a light breakfast do some cardio eat well. Don't think oh well I caved so I might as well have more, this can lead to a down hill cycle. Get up early, get moving, eat well and be happy. Why not have a nice hot bowl of oats with Christmas spices or a fruit, low fat Greek yogurt and cinnamon.