The festive period is a time for relaxing, unwinding and spending time with friends and family.
A lot of people get to this time of year and start to panic, or think ‘that’s it, I’m going to end up undoing all the hard work I’ve put in over the year’. That doesn’t have to be the case. If you follow these simple steps, you can come out of the other side of Christmas and not be back at square one!
- STAY HYDRATED
Whilst this is important year round, it becomes critical at this time of year. Water will help to overcome the negative effects of alcohol, whilst also curbing your cravings! If you have a potentially heavy night ahead, ALWAYS make sure you’re hydrated before you go and stay hydrated throughout and after. You’ll feel a lot better the next day, and maybe won’t crave that hungover food!
- DON’T SKIP MEALS
The worst thing you do is go to a Christmas party with delicious food when you’re hungry! You’ll just see the buffet and try eat everything in sight without a care for your diet! During the day of the party, make sure your food intake is good and your protein intake is on track. This will stop you bingeing!
- WATCH THE LIQUID CALORIES
Over Christmas, people tend to increase their alcohol intake significantly. Try to stick to clear spirits or a couple of glasses of red wine. Pick your nights where you are going to drink as well! Maybe drive to a couple so you aren’t drinking every possible opportunity, therefore limiting the damage alcohol (liquid calories) can do to your hard work!
- ENJOY THE FESTIVE FOOD
If you’re going to indulge, do it with festive food. Have that piece of Christmas pudding, or a mince pie. But don’t follow it up with a McDonald’s! You wouldn’t do it normally so don’t do it now just because it’s Christmas!
- TRAIN HARD
Christmas is a busy time of year. But so is the rest of the year! Don’t find excuses to avoid training. Stick on plan as much as possible and get your sessions done! Even if it’s just a walk with the dog, or an early morning run. Try do 30mins a day and you’ll feel better for it, and it’ll keep you on track!
Try and stick to these as much as you can over the festive period, but still relax and enjoy it! You’ve earned it!