1. Christmas Drink anyone?
Ooooooohhhhhhhh yes please!! We all deserve to celebrate over the festive season. We have survived the year!! I'll toast to that for sure. You have no idea how truly popular you are until all these invitations to get-together with friends and family and the Christmas drinks & parties start rolling in the door. The disappointment when two land on the same night and you must figure out, do you choose one or try and get to the two?? Decisions decisions! #firstworldproblems
So how do you enjoy the party without being a party pooper?? I'm not going to tell you not to indulge. Just be mindful of how you are. Make sure you are plenty hydrated before going out and choose your drink consciously. Remember alcohol and mixers are loaded with calories. With the many occasions to drink over Christmas this will convert to a tighter waistband. Try opting for drinks such as vodka & sparkling water or gin & slimline tonic. These drinks can be flavoured how you like with a variety of things, from reliable options like lemon & lime or go wild with cucumber or mint?
2. Finger Food = Mountain of Guilt
I always think the term 'Finger Food' brings notions of pretend food with no calories. It's not a meal, it's just little samples of items that could be part of a meal. It's just a taste of something... It couldn't do much damage? Eh hell to the yeah it can. All those little, lovely gorgeous treats are not going to do much harm if you taste one or two..... but when you are cocktail sausages in and the chicken goujons have just come out... well you are done for!
What to do I hear you ask? My best advice is, eat before you go. On a normal night out, you are not spoiled with temptation of deep fried treats throughout the evening. Eat something filling and healthy so you'll be less likely to snack!! If you want a taste, then do just that and don't feel guilty about it. If you tend to binge on finger food, once you get one into you there is no stopping you, then just don't indulge! What's the point in feeling sick with yourself?
3. Get Up & Get Out!!
Keep your routines going. Christmas is a great excuse to chill and we need to chill and relax but don't risk becoming sedentary! When you ignore your exercise routine for a few days it is soooo hard to get back into the swing of things. Keep going to your classes or gym as normal. If you are a walker or a jogger be sure to get out for your fix. If you have the luxury of some time off over the Christmas, then maybe this is an opportunity to be active and spend time with the ones you love (or escape them!). Pick somewhere scenic, go for walks or a hike. Think outside the box. You'll hopefully have a pleasant time and you'll have done some calories burning to boot.
4. Eating Out
I for one love the treat of eating out or having someone else cook for me!! When you must feed the masses, thanklessly, it is such a joy when your dinner is handed up to you. Doesn't even matter what the food is, you didn't have to cook it and with a bit of luck you don't have to offer to clean up after it either! It's a bit of a lottery win.
If you have plans to eat, keep these tips in mind. Be sure the rest of your meals that day have been good and healthy. If you have time to fit in some cardio that day, then do! You can't out exercise a bad diet, but you can be prepared. Every menu normally has steak, chicken and fish on offer, so choosing those options will serve you better than the creamy pasta options! Decide on starter or desert rather than both! That will help curb the calorie intake without feeling like you are depriving yourself. Indulge but don't over indulge. Nobody likes spending the rest of their night out feeling like they are about to burst out of their party dress!
5. The Aftermath
You've had a great night (of what you c an remember, you're just assuming the rest was as good!). It's the morning after and you're regretting one or two alcohol or food choices. Be prepared for the Christmas hangover. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks for the day after munchies. Step away from the selection boxes. They do not belong to you. Remember to re-hydrate yourself to ward off the headaches and flush the toxins out of you!
Have a super festive season. Don't undo all your hard work. Eat, drink and be merry. Stay conscious of your food and drink choices. You don't need to be a party pooper or rain on our own parade, but you can stay aware and not start the new year a stone up! Remember whatever your goals are in January we are here to help you get back on track or simply get started.
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