With the festive season fast approaching we all face the prospect of eating too much and drinking to excess. Every year we vow to make a change next year, and ward off the slide into putting on too many unwanted kilos, not getting enough sleep and generally feeling lethargic and sluggish.
And every year I get asked what should one do to avoid it. My top tips are:
Alcohol
- It is unrealistic to say “avoid drinking altogether”, but have a rule to only drink when you are out. No sneaking in the occasional beer or glass of wine at home just because you’ve had a long day. There are enough functions and invitations to parties in the lead up to Christmas for you to enjoy yourself with a tipple or two.
- Try to limit your invitations to a couple of nights a week. We all say it, but why not catch up after Christmas??
- It goes without saying when you are out, alternate your drinks, one water, one alcohol, repeat!
- Volunteer to be the designated driver. That way you have a ready made excuse to limit the alcohol.
Food
- Don’t beat yourself up on this one. Try to be sensible when you can. If you are at a function, try to choose the vegetable or salad options on the menu to keep it light.
- Be smart. Plan your week ahead. Take note of what you have coming up in terms of parties, and learn to be super good when you are at home so you can enjoy yourself when you are out.
- The summer season also lends itself to lighter foods. Make use of the seasonal foods. Save money and enjoy the fresh salads.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you over indulge one night. It doesn’t change anything. Just get back on track the next day.
- Don’t announce to everyone that you are going to go on a diet in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The temptations will doom you to fail!!
Exercise
- Always turn up to your exercise. No excuses. I mean no excuses. Maintain the regularity of your program, even if it isn’t your best session because of over indulging.
- Make exercise a priority. It makes it easier after the festive season is over and you are ready to get serious again.
- Change it up a little. Maybe an outdoor session and make use of the warmer weather.
- Don’t plan on doing your PB.
- Don’t beat yourself up about it. At least you are exercising.
Sleep
- Try to get some early nights when you aren’t out. Shelve binging the new tv series or box set to another time and get some Z’s.
- Catch up on the weekends. Don’t be scared to have a lie in and get the sleep you need.
- Take a nap.
And lastly, make a cutoff date for when you will get back into it. New Year’s Day probably isn’t the best choice but have a day in your mind when the turkey stops and you get started.
Happy holidays!