Christmas is fast approaching, and celebrations are already underway with numerous Christmas parties in peoples’ schedules. This is a time of year when even the best of us struggle with discipline; but by maintaining healthy habits, not only will you save yourself from undoing all of your hard fitness and nutrition work for 2013, but you will jump into 2014 feeling better than ever, starting 10 steps forward – rather than 10 steps back on your goals....
Now, I need to tell you all – I am not a complete party pooper! I do believe that there is a time and a place for breaking all of the rules, and enjoying good food and fine wine. The ‘soul value’ as I like to call it, of these kinds of celebrations far out-weighs the nutritional value at times. But with the amount of celebrations at this time of year, you are not doing your self any favours by indulging at them all.
Here are a few tips for surviving the Silly Season in 2013:
1. The tipple – Alcohol seems to be the centre point of any celebration these days, especially around the Christmas festivities. It would also be the worst offender for damaging your health and feeling of wellbeing. So if you choose to drink, keep it minimal- you don’t want to be that person dancing on tables or falling down the stairs anyway right?
Try some alcohol free drinks – Soda with fresh lime and mint or soda and tonic with a slice of lemon are two refreshing and tasty drinks available from any bar.
If having alcohol, alternate one alcohol free beverage with one alcoholic beverage.
Try waiting until after eating the nibbles or dinner before starting to drink – alcohol increases appetite so you will end up eating more if you have alcohol in your system first.
Get real with yourself, if you know you have no self control once arriving at an event opt to be the sober driver to safe guard your choice.
2. The feast- When food is provided at no charge or at events, humans have a funny habit of eating much more than their body requires. This in conjunction with alcohol is a recipe for disaster! Eating and drinking while being fairly sedentary, coupled the potential hang over undoing your plans for exercise the next morning, equals a whole lot of energy in and not much energy out.
Do your research and find out what food will be available at the event, from there make a decision about what you will be eating and stick to it.
Never arrive hungry, have a substantial meal or snack an hour before the event so you can easily wave away the hostess carrying around the sausage rolls.
Keep yourself hydrated (with water!) often dehydration is confused with hunger causing us to eat over our requirements.
Start the following day fresh, if the wheels fall off for one night – don’t let the whole wagon fall to pieces! Regain your routine immediately with a lot of fresh and raw produce and some moderate exercise to cleanse your system and to remind yourself how good it feels to be healthy!
Here are a few tips for surviving the Silly Season in 2013:
1. The tipple – Alcohol seems to be the centre point of any celebration these days, especially around the Christmas festivities. It would also be the worst offender for damaging your health and feeling of wellbeing. So if you choose to drink, keep it minimal- you don’t want to be that person dancing on tables or falling down the stairs anyway right?
Try some alcohol free drinks – Soda with fresh lime and mint or soda and tonic with a slice of lemon are two refreshing and tasty drinks available from any bar.
If having alcohol, alternate one alcohol free beverage with one alcoholic beverage.
Try waiting until after eating the nibbles or dinner before starting to drink – alcohol increases appetite so you will end up eating more if you have alcohol in your system first.
Get real with yourself, if you know you have no self control once arriving at an event opt to be the sober driver to safe guard your choice.
2. The feast- When food is provided at no charge or at events, humans have a funny habit of eating much more than their body requires. This in conjunction with alcohol is a recipe for disaster! Eating and drinking while being fairly sedentary, coupled the potential hang over undoing your plans for exercise the next morning, equals a whole lot of energy in and not much energy out.
Do your research and find out what food will be available at the event, from there make a decision about what you will be eating and stick to it.
Never arrive hungry, have a substantial meal or snack an hour before the event so you can easily wave away the hostess carrying around the sausage rolls.
Keep yourself hydrated (with water!) often dehydration is confused with hunger causing us to eat over our requirements.
Start the following day fresh, if the wheels fall off for one night – don’t let the whole wagon fall to pieces! Regain your routine immediately with a lot of fresh and raw produce and some moderate exercise to cleanse your system and to remind yourself how good it feels to be healthy!
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