{"id":33877,"title":"Staying on track over Christmas!","description":"Hints and tips to support you over the festive period!","content":"

You've been on track over the past few weeks and months; eaten well, exercised and made good choices, then December arrives and all the good that you have achieved starts to unravel! Sound familiar?!<\/span><\/p>

\"fd8htso399wckf3l2cmongu4e0pqj12j7sn0ogroa75pkehv.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"December is a time when we are out more socialising, eating and drinking! It\u2019s great fun but it can take its toll. <\/p>

So how can you find a balance over the festive period?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Top tips!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

1. Stay active - look for ways to get out and about, even if you don't make it to class or the gym. Continue to walk and get some fresh air. Take opportunities to play with the kids get them out on their bikes or go to the park! It all adds up! Continue to train. Don\u2019t write December off! Even if you train less! <\/span><\/p>

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2. Stay hydrated. It's hard in the winter, as unlike the summer, the desire to drink becomes less but it's important, keep your water intake up and drink before you eat or go out for an evening. As staying hydrated will support you to feel better the following day. Try interspersing your wine with water. <\/span><\/p>

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3. Plan ahead if you can, particularly if you are the one who does the food shop! You can still make better choices and be mindful over what you buy and eat! Look at the menu before you go out and know what you intend to order. Maybe limit yourself to one serving of food at the buffet and don't go back for seconds, do you really need it? Consider adding soda to your wine or you could offer to drive to an event rather than drink. <\/span><\/p>

\"3ncndnmmkwu3tyt8vb7cteoatqvy5mhsaubbbbybrucpl86k.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"<\/p>

4. Now I\u2019m not saying you can\u2019t eat and enjoy some treats. But portion control is key! Be mindful about how much you eat. It's easy to mindlessly eat your way through a whole chocolate orange or pack of mince pies! Set yourself a limit and stick to it! You could keep track of your calories on MFP, have you ever scanned a mince pie to see how many calories are in it, it will shock you!! It might even stop you eating more than one! <\/span><\/p>

\"ohbynhydn1lsxnwchawxswqa3cz58sbn6dcpitor916sagl0.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/p>

4. Plan your exercise and stick to it! It takes no more than 10 minutes to complete around 200 swings, so dust off that kettlebell that's propping open the door and give it a swing. Remember to check out the club page or head to my instagram for some saved workouts that you could do over the holiday! How about planning a workout with a friend it's harder to get out of it when there are two of you committed! Look at your diary and plan in your training on the lead up to Christmas! Stick to it, even when it\u2019s cold and you don\u2019t want to go. You\u2019ll feel better after! Remember one session is better than no sessions. So don\u2019t write December off! <\/span><\/p>

If all else fails get out for a walk! <\/span><\/p>

\"chsqomdfbavijjdctc6dcwqsjhnoqb1hkq6kldzegebrtlv9.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/p>

4. Don't punish yourself, if you have a day or two where you are off track don't write off the rest of the week, crack back on. No one is, or should be, perfect all of the time. <\/span><\/p>

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5. Drive don't drink! It's a good way to keep the calories down by making yourself the designated driver! And bonus\u2026you\u2019ll wake up with a clear head the following day! <\/span><\/p>

\"zzcz9key4seqcyc62y8hojblc0otlym6kl8fgippkmn5d8ip.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/p>

6. Step away from the buffet. If you have no option, opt for a small plate and don't over fill it! How about eating before you go and then you won't be as hungry!?<\/span><\/p>

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7. Make better choices with your drinks! Pass on the cocktails and have a glass of wine or gin and low calorie tonic instead. Opt for a small glass rather than a large one. Little changes can add up! <\/span><\/p>

\"iyuwnor0l37bfuz1skbonv6dnroyae47earblsbvviske30u.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/p>

8. Catch up on sleep! You know how important sleep is! The Christmas period can be a great opportunity to slow down, rest and recharge. <\/span><\/p>

\"b8cbuanjecjh51dwhc6r9xxxml6or117izva15tjq4ae3enh.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"9. Look after your mental well being! If it all feels too much, it probably is too much. You can say no! You can take a step back. Be kind to yourself. <\/p>

Above all enjoy the festivities and have fun. Be mindful over the choices you make and practice those good habits that you've been developing over the last few months. It\u2019s all about finding a balance! <\/span><\/p>

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Happy Christmas to you all. Here's to a strong 2024<\/span>\ud83d\udcaa<\/span><\/p>

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