December is a time for eating, drinking and being merry as the festive season draws in. This also means the holiday period is notoriously difficult for our healthy eating habits and exercise regimes.
Of course, Christmas is the time to enjoy yourself, so we’ve got a few tips on staying fit and healthy without missing out on the festive fun!
Think about what you eat and drink
With so much food and drink right at your fingertips, it can be tempting to overindulge. Whilst indulging is only natural (who can resist the odd mince pie?), a little mindfulness can go a long way. Be aware of your body and if you feel full or bloated and sluggish, stop eating or drinking. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you step on the scale come January.
Make sure you get a good breakfast
After all of the Christmas festivities it can be tempting to indulge in a hearty English breakfast. However, a fry-up is not the cure you’re looking for and you’ll be missing out on key hangover-busting nutrients. If you’re craving something warm, a healthy omelette packed with vitamin-filled veggies is your best bet, but if you can’t face a cooked breakfast, a good helping of berries and probiotic yoghurt will also work wonders.
Take a walk
It might be a challenge to keep up with your regular workouts, especially with friends and family staying and seasonal gym closures! But that doesn’t mean you get to stop moving altogether. After a big Christmas lunch, why not walk it off for an hour? The movement will help to keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of a breath of fresh, winter air!
Drink plenty of water
Water really is a miracle worker when it comes to health and fitness. Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your metabolism moving, meaning that you are less likely to pile on as many pounds after Christmas dinner. What’s more, with more alcohol flowing and later nights, keeping hydrated is essential for staying awake and alert to enjoy all the fun during the day.
Enjoy yourself!
Whilst it is important to eat healthily and stay active (even though it’s Christmas), there’s also such a thing as “everything in moderation”. Make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself during the holidays and embrace the time you have with friends and family.
Healthy and delicious Christmas meal ideas
Main meals
- Roast turkey, lamb, beef fillet or pork (one is enough – too much choice often confuses the enjoyment)
- Whole baked salmon – stuff with lemon slices, dill and almonds and bake in foil on the BBQ or in the oven; serve with a bowl of light sour cream mixed with horseradish
- BBQ meats – kebabs, steak, lamb cutlets or lean gourmet sausages
- Seafood and fish – grilled, barbecued or baked (keep these simple to enjoy their delicate flavours)
Delicious side dishes
- Medley of roast vegetables; drizzle with honey or maple syrup and balsamic vinegar
- Roast vegetable salad – pumpkin, yams, parsnip, beetroot, baby onions can all be roasted in advance, then cut up and dressed to make a salad; toasted pumpkin seeds make a delicious garnish
- Vegetable kebabs – thread pieces of courgette, mushrooms, pineapple, red onion and cherry tomatoes onto skewers and barbecue
Dessert
- Fresh fruit and marshmallow kebabs (kids love these)
- Pavlova or meringue crushed and mixed with lemon yoghurt, blueberries and walnuts and served in individual glass bowls
- Mango jelly garnished with fresh raspberries, strawberries or blueberries
- Ice cream Christmas pudding made by mixing brandy-soaked dried fruit in softened light ice cream and then freezing in a pudding bowl
Snacks/nibbles
- Bowls of roasted nuts and figs
- Chocolate-covered strawberries – mix of white chocolate, dark chocolate and plain strawberries
- Smoked salmon fillet with crackers or ciabatta bread slices, extra-light cream cheese, lemon slices and fresh dill
- Hummus or salsa with vegetable sticks
- Bread cases filled with a mixture of cottage cheese, feta, spinach and chopped sun-dried tomato
- Mini pikelets topped with extra-light cream cheese, smoked salmon slices and capers