Tick tock, tick tock, the countdown is now on to Christmas and along with it the come the endless social gatherings, office parties and then of course the main event!
Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with family, friends and loved ones yet can also be quite stressful with small babies and little energetic toddlers!
Trying to juggle the present shopping, gift wrapping, excitable children and the logistics of Christmas can take up a lot of time and then along with the abundance of festive treats most people tend to gain a little extra padding in a short space of time. If you are sensible and follow my tips you can be confident that the extra little treats and change to routine will have minimal impact on your normal weight and body shape!
Check out my top tips below for a healthier Christmas for you and your family:
Set your family Christmas menus now to include leaner food options, like fruit salad, lean meat, and low-fat dips plus reduce the portion size of Yorkshire puddings and stuffing when serving dinner on the plate and exchange cream for natural yoghurt with Christmas pudding, or use cream sparingly and avoid going back for seconds!
- Place a limit on treat gifts to avoid the whole family turning up with chocolate. Give specific family members a specific food to bring and limit how much. Any unwanted leftover gifts can be donated to your local housing shelter or elderly care home.
- Put in orders for active presents – cricket sets, footballs, rugby balls, rackets and even Wi Fit – just get the whole family moving.
- If you are escaping to warmer climates then why not book a holiday that includes walking, hiking, trekking, surfing, swimming or other activities to keep you moving.
- Politely tell family members or friends that this year you will not be going crazy with indulgences, but instead will be enjoying the special days with an occasional treat.
- Remember too, that just because it is there does not mean you have to eat it! Why not box up left overs and put in the freezer for a quick easy ready meal on another day?
Put these strategies in place now, and you’ll be able to enjoy your Christmas dinner and the great shape you still will be in January.