Finishing the year, stronger than ever!
13
Dec
December is finally upon us, which can only mean one thing - party season is here... There are so many temptations, from mince pies at work to drinks after work, family gatherings every weekend and lots of treats filling the supermarket shelves.
If you’re starting to get concerned about how you will fare when faced with all these temptations, and how you’re going to manage to work out during all the craziness, here are a few tips on how to stay on track. However, don't forget that you’re only human and it is a special time of year, so the trick is finding the right balance.
Tip One: Host your own party! Why not take the bull by the horns and have your own bash so you are in control of the food on offer? If you are going to a friend’s party, offer to bring something and make sure it’s a healthy but tasty Christmas snack.
Tip Two: Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol in itself isn't fattening - it has seven calories per gram (as opposed to four calories per gram in carbs and proteins, and nine calories per gram in fats). Alcohol, however, is metabolised differently in your body compared to other intake. It metabolises ahead of anything else that you eat, so it can put your diet on hold. Stick to simple drinks without a lot of sugar or heavy ingredients. Try to drink a large glass of water in between each alcoholic drink.
Tip Three: Don't shop hungry. I know you have heard this before, but it’s so important. Think about those days when you’re literally running around and have no time at all, but before you pick the kids up you dash to the supermarket to get some supplies. You’re hungry and have not eaten since breakfast, so somehow that bag of crisps or chocolate bar sneaks its way into your shopping basket. When you’re hungry, it’s hard to show control. Eat before you go and shop with a list!
Don’t forget to print off my weekly meal planner – even if December is too chaotic to consider one, I know these meal planners will make their way onto your fridge in 2016!
And Lastly
Tip Four: Be sure to get plenty of exercise. The holiday season can be so busy and exhausting, so it’s understandable that sometimes it just seems like you don't have the energy to exercise. Ironically, one of the ways to fix flagging energy is by exercising. Try to fit 30 minutes in every day. It doesn't even need to be formal exercise, as long as you are moving. Take a welly boot walk or try my 30 day skipping challenge.
Most importantly, have a wonderful Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2016!
Best Wishes
Charlotte x
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