Whether you want to lose weight, maintain your current physic or put on muscle mass with so many social events on your calendar the food and drinks are well and truly everywhere which can make it far more challenging to stick to your healthier lifestyle plans.
I love a cheat meal as much as the next person (even more so at Christmas!!) however it is very easy for that 1 cheat meal to turn into a whole day or even a week and then before you know it you are back to square 1.
Here are a few simple tips to help you stay on track:
- Eat a small healthy snack before going to an event so you don’t arrive on an empty stomach.
Eating something rich in protein will help you feel fuller for longer and prevent you from over indulging on the party food. - Eat slowly – really taste the festive food
It takes time for us to realise we are full, if you eat slowly you are less likely to overeat and you will enjoy the flavours so much more.
- Stay Active
You may be going away and no long have access to a gym or training equipment, going for a nice scenic walk is still good for you – even better have a look out for my total body weight workout that is going to be posted on the facebook page shortly for ideas on a more intense workout you can do anywhere.
- Share Plates
If you are going out to a restaurant with a group of friends get everyone to pick something different off the menu and have a little taste from each one, you will find you won’t eat as much and you will be just as satisfied.
- Don’t Dwell
If you have a big night of eating and drinking don’t spend the next day beating yourself up about it, all that will do is put you in a negative frame of mind and cause a downward spiral of more negativity. Instead get up dust yourself off go for a walk, hit the gym, have a healthy breakfast or go outside simply being out in the fresh air will make you feel better and is more likely to increase your desire to get back on the healthy lifestyle.
Remember don’t let a cheat meal turn into a cheat week you are only hurting yourself
- Think Vegan
At risk of putting some people off if you are going to make a desert or tasty snack have a look at some vegan recipes generally speaking they are the ‘healthiest’ of the unhealthy treats and there are quite a few tasty ones to try!
- Drinking
Most people are going to have a festive drink or two over the holidays and while there is no healthy option for drinking try an keep track of how many you are consuming, have a glass of water between drinks and if you are drinking spirits watch the sugar content in your mixer.
- Make it about the people
Christmas is about having fun with family and friends the food is just a bonus, enjoy the company of those around you.
I hope you all have a great Christmas!
