W L WELLBEING
PRACTICAL TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS
By Charlotte Forde
If there ever was a perfect time to start , 2021 has definitely been the year to prioritise our health and well-being , but with Christmas fast approaching it can be quite easy to change your habits and adopted lifestyle and have a few weeks of binge eating and drinking in the lead up to and around Christmas time . Many people also choose this time to relax their training regime , however this year rather than being burdened with guilt ( and a few extra pounds ) in the New Year here are some realistic and useful tips that may help you maintain your health and well-being whilst still enjoying yourself during the festive break .
Eat Before Going Out By eating something that you have prepared yourself before heading out to see family or friends you will be less tempted to over indulge . It will also help you stay on track for calorie counting . Remember you are always allowed treats in moderation , your diet is all about balance so if you decide to have a cheat day you can always make up for it through the week by eating well or being more active .
Be Selective With Treats You know that there is every possibility you will receive alcohol or sweet treats as gifts over Christmas ( especially if you have a Grandma like mine !) or there may just be some candy canes and mince pies being circulated around the office in the lead up to the Christmas break . Therefore , try not to buy yourself additional snacks whilst doing your food shop so that they are not as readily accessible to you .
Avoid Skipping Meals It is never usually acceptable to skip a meal ( unless you are fasting ) and as tempting as it is to miss certain meals believing that it will make up for additional calories found in the treats that you have already consumed , it is likely that it will lead to counterproductive results and you could also lose out on essential nutrients . If you don ’ t feel hungry enough to eat three meals each day try eating less more frequently , distributing your meals even throughout the day .
Drink In Moderation Try and limit yourself to a certain number of soft drinks and / or units of alcohol whilst you ' re out of your regular routine . Also , if you feel that you may be tempted to consume alcohol whilst visiting friends and family or going out for a meal , make the decision to drive so that it makes it less convenient to have a drink or two . Remember , leading a healthy lifestyle is all about choice so use this time to understand what is more important to you in the long term .
Stay Active You should stick to your regular fitness regime as much as possible , even if it means sacrificing an extra hour in bed . You may have to diversify or simply go for a walk or use the stairs but it is important to prioritise staying active especially if you are used to regular exercise . Maybe get the family involved or get a training buddy so that you have some accountability when you feel less motivated .
Get Out Of The House As tempting as it is to stay indoors with the fire on , watching films , eating selection boxes and drinking hot chocolate ( sounds amazing right ), getting out in the fresh air is so important for your mental health . Yes , the festive break is all about family and having a good time together , so why not plan some outdoor activities where everybody is involved ( Boxing Day sale shopping doesn ’ t count unfortunately ). Even a walk can help burn some calories , increase endorphins ( a hormone that your body produces to ease pain and make you feel calm and happy ) and keep the kids entertained .
Set Realistic Goals November isn ’ t traditionally the time to be setting major goals however that shouldn ’ t stop you from setting smaller , realistic targets . This could be anything as long as there is an objective , e . g . I will partake in 30 minutes of physical activity , 5 days a week for the next 4 weeks . Goal setting again comes down to accountability ; if you set a goal that you know is realistic to achieve , you will be more likely to stick to it rather than just relying on how you feel on the day .
Drink Plenty Of Water Ensure to stay well hydrated drinking at least 1.5 litres of water per day as this will not only suppress your appetite but can prevent possible hangovers ... you ' re welcome !
Enjoy Yourself ! Trying to restrict your diet too much and restraining yourself totally from the festive treats that you enjoy the most will only make you miserable and possibly eat more . Feel free to enjoy what you want but in moderation . Don ’ t equate being healthy with eliminating all of your favourite things as this is unrealistic to maintain over a long period of time . When you understand that a healthy diet is about your calorie intake and nutrient value and you can eat your favourite foods , you can be consistent .
If you require further advice on how to reach your goal please get in touch on 07523 843911 or train @ ellavatefitness . com . Gift vouchers are also available . wirrallife . com 61