Staying on top of your healthy choices this Christmas

Maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can be tough at any time of year, but it becomes especially difficult around Christmas, when the emphasis is on over-indulgence and feasting. Now I am a great believer in feasting, particularly when it brings family and friends together, but I am not a fan of feeling bloated and sluggish. So here are some tips to help you stay on track.

1. Drink lemon water. If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know what a fan I am of lemon water. It is incredibly refreshing and it has powerful de-toxifying properties. Having a cup of hot lemon water in the morning can really support your organs. So instead of always reaching for the tea, coffee or wine, have a cup of lemon water. I make mine by squeezing a quarter of lemon into a cup, dropping the quarter in, and pouring on boiling water.
2. Stock up with healthy snacks. Make sure you have an abundance of healthy snacks in the fridge and cupboards. This will help you avoid always reaching for the heavily processed treats that are everywhere. I like to have plenty of humous, avocados, dates and exotic fruits available. These choices satisfy my cravings for sweet, indulgent treats but are still easily processed by the body.
3. Drink water. And repeat. If you are going to parties and will probably be drinking till the early hours remember to keep drinking water in between alcoholic drinks. Your body will thank you for it!
4. 4.Go for walks. While the gyms and sports centres will be closed, or running restricted opening times over the holiday period, make the most of the great outdoors, at the same time as spending time with the people you love. It may not be the same as doing 30 minutes on the treadmill or rowing machine, but being outside in the fresh air helps us unwind. And in a pinch any kind of movement is better than no movement at all.
5. Don’t beat yourself up. The whole point of the festive period is to be thankful, and enjoy spending time with the people we love. If all your health goals go out the window for two weeks it is not the end of the world.