This time of year we are all enjoying those extra treats, and why not!  The key is to limit the damage as much as possible. If you do this now you will have less to do in the new year!  Here are a few of my favourite tips they may help:

  • Keep Moving – Go for plenty of walks and get some fresh air. If you have access to my online workouts try to fit in a few each week. Try to include some form of cardio exercise too, to get the hear rate up. Exercise helps with stress levels too!
  • Savour your food – If you are going to indulge over Xmas make sure you really enjoying your food. Savour every bite and flavour. Eat more slowly and give your body time to let you know when you are full
  • Enjoy your Xmas Dinner – If you want to avoid too many calories on the day, fill up on vegetables and lean turkey rather than the more indulgent options. Watch your desserts too, or have smaller portions. You can still enjoy your dinner but with9ut guilt.
  • Fasting – Fasting is an option for some of us. I often fast the day after an indulgent day.  An example would be to stop eating at 8pm on the night, and refrain from eating again until 12pm the next day. You don’t need to do it every day but it can help with that bloated feeling too.  There are some medical conditions that may prevent this so please check before you fast.
  • Sleep Well – Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. When you are sleep deprived you produce more of the stress hormone,  which can increase your appetite.  Find some time to relax or meditate.
  • Watch your drinks – Now this is a big one! Often our drinks are the main culprit for festive weight gain. check your mixers too as they are often high in sugars. Trying drinking a glass of water between each drink, you may have less of a hangover too the next day!
  • Don’t pick at food – If you are at a buffet, choose the food you are having, put it on a smaller plate and avoid constant picking from the buffet. Give your body time to tell your brain you are full.  Avoid grazing throughout the day.
  • Learn to say no – If you really don’t want to eat something, say no. If you are faced with your Aunts  favourite homemade cake and then offered her trifle too, say n0. Once you say no if will be easier than you think,

Times are difficult right now so we should enjoy the festive period and the treats that come with it. However by thinking more carefully now about what we are eating and drinking it could really prevent excessive weight gain in the new year.

Merry Christmas and Take care

Bev x