It’s getting to that crazy time of year again when Christmas is upon us. We can all get a bit carried away at Christmas time eating and drinking, and all that hard work you’ve spent all year working on slowly spirals downwards, leaving you thinking that you’ll start again with your ‘New Year’s Resolution’.
With a little bit of thought and planning, you can ‘have your cake and eat it too.’ It is all about balance - you don’t have to blowout the so called ‘diet’ or reward yourself with a whole box of chocolates and bottle of wine.
Here’s a few ideas to help you get through the silly season intact while still fitting into that ‘little black dress’.
Stay hydrated – No, I don’t mean drinking another bottle of wine, I mean keeping your water intake to at least two litres per day. We’re into summer and it’s hot, so spice up your water with chopped up pieces of fruit or a squeeze of lemon or lime.
We all know alcohol dehydrates your body, so have a glass of water in between drinks, and try to stick to lower calorie drinks such as vodka, lime and soda. You don’t want to drink all your calories when there is good food to be had as well!
Keep your training schedule - Don’t stop your normal routine of training. Modify it or try something different, but don’t skip it. Get the family involved in a game of backyard footy or cricket, or Frisbee at the beach or pool. Take advantage of our gorgeous weather and get up early and appreciate the day - take a walk, climb a mountain or take the kids to the park. Switch off the gadgets - you never know what you might discover.
Eat strategically – Make sure you have a small, healthy snack before going out so you don’t arrive starving to a buffet or function. If you’re going to have a sweet treat, you’re better off having it in the morning when there is still a chance that you will burn it off. A heavy calorie-laden meal late at night won’t go far in the energy requirement department. Try portion controls for those treats you just can’t miss out on, like having a taste of, rather than a whole piece, of cake.
Sleep – When we are sleep deprived, we often reach for sugary fixes to keep us awake. Try to maintain a goods night’s sleep where possible, or have a power nap in the afternoon if you need, as according to NASA, 26 minutes is the optimum time for recovery sleep.
Remember it’s a single day – enjoy for a reason not the season. Have your blowout, then get back on the wagon and balance it out again. One healthy meal does not make you skinny, just like a bad meal does not make you fat, but do either often enough and it will.
Enjoy yourself! – You don’t have to be a party pooper to come out of the silly season fit, active and happy! Plan ahead, keep active, and make the most of your time with family and friends.
Safe holidays and have a ‘healthy’ and merry Christmas.