Staying healthy over Christmas is quite possibly one of the hardest things to do. The holiday season is invariably packed with turkey dinners, heaps of chocolate and plenty of wine, none of which is good for your body. The Christmas break is also a time when people want to rest, meaning they don’t want to schlepp themselves to the gym on a regular basis. After a whole year stuck in an office, it’s perfectly understandable that people want this vacation to be about self-indulgence.
But, if you let yourself go crazy over Christmas you will regret it in January. Why do you think so many people sign up for gym memberships or cut out certain foods as their New Year’s resolution? But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a way to enjoy your holiday to the max without being stuck with a whole load of guilt and extra calories by the end of it.
Create a Home Workout Routine
If you don’t want to face the elements by leaving your house and going to the gym, bring the gym to you. There are plenty of exercises you can do without needing any equipment. Go online and look for workout videos you can follow or exercise routines that target the areas you want to focus on. Try and do this a few times a week and you will notice a difference. Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your health.
Portion Control
It is far too easy to go completely overboard at Christmas. It is the most gluttonous time of the year after all. The best thing to do, if you want to be able to enjoy all of the festive treats on offer is to control your portion size. If there is a whole bowl of chocolates on the table, limit yourself to just one. If there is a whole turkey to be eaten, try and stick to just one helping. This way you still get to try everything but you won’t feel sick and bloated afterwards.
Cut Down on Alcohol
One of the most calorific features of the festive season is alcohol. You would be amazed at how many calories wine and beer have in them. If you can curb your drinking over Christmas, not only will you save yourself from putting on a few pounds, but you will also be doing your liver a big favour. A number of health complications have been directly linked to over-consumption of alcohol, so take it easy and your body will thank you.
Don’t Burn Out
While most of us want to chill out over Christmas, there are some people who find this time of the year pretty stressful. With Christmas dinner to prepare, presents to buy and family arrangements to make, it’s understandable why some people burn out by the end. Enlist the help of your family and start your preparations as far in advance as possible to ensure your Christmas is as relaxed as can be.
