The top 5 ways to stay healthy over the silly season

18 Dec The top 5 ways to stay healthy over the silly season

This is a crazy time of year – the hot weather, parties, shopping, Christmas, New Year, celebrations – it is all happening. Unfortunately this is often when all those healthy habits go out the window and we end up with some extra kilos for the start of the new year.

So to stay fit and to minimise the weight gain and be in the shape of your life for 2017, here are my top 5 ways to stay fit over the Christmas and New Year holidays:

1. Don’t go into a party starving

When you arrive at a party and are about to chew our arm off, I guarantee you will go straight for something fatty, greasy and full of fat (it always looks better when you are hungry).

So to avoid reaching straight for the pies and chips, make sure you have a light meal beforehand so you feel slightly full. You will make better food choices and won’t stuff your face with something you are sure to regret the next day!

2. Have a glass of water for every alcoholic drink

This is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry. So with the drinks, go one for one – every beer, wine or cocktail you have, have a water as well. This will keep you hydrated and minimise the chance of getting a hangover. Plus drinking water will make you feel a little fuller so you may eat less too.

And an extra tip, have a couple of glasses of water before you go to bed so you wake up feeling fresh and fabulous.

3. Look at the menu beforehand

This is a really handy tip – if you are going to a dinner or an event, try and get a sneak preview of what will be served. Think about what meals are nice and which ones are very naughty. Make your choice and stick with it when you the wait staff takes your order. Do your research before so you keep your healthy habits on track.

4. Stay active on Christmas Day

The typical Christmas Day is usually a huge lunch with a few drinks followed by collapsing in front of the TV for the rest of the day.

So instead, stay active on Christmas Day – instead of the traditional afternoon nap or watching TV after a big dinner, why not get the whole family outdoors for a walk, a game of cricket, footy or some beach volleyball? This will help you digest your food, burn off some unused kilojoules and avoid the afternoon slump.

And don’t forget Boxing Day – the perfect day for going out for a long walk and enjoying one of the many wonderful hiking tracks Sydney has to offer.

5. Learn to say no

We often burn the candles at both ends at this time of year with lot’s of parties, shopping, late nights and holidays.

So make sure you pace yourself over the holidays – don’t feel the need to accept every invitation that comes your way. There’s nothing like a boring party to have you reaching for more fatty finger foods and calorie-laden alcoholic drinks.

And remember, being the time of year we offers over indulge, keep your training up. If you have lots of parties and after work activities, think about training first thing in the morning – this jump starts your metabolism, gives you more energy, it clears your mind, increases your discipline plus you have the whole day for the Xmas festivities.