Just like in the summer, at this time of year magazines are plagued with faddy diets and quick fixes which apparently help you feel great and body confident around Christmas. Sorry to be so blunt, but I think most of these articles are a load of crap and very restrictive at a time where food is in excess and fun is to be had. Now I wanted to put my two cents in and share my personal tips on how I stay happy and healthy at Christmas time, which are perhaps rather alternative to the norm.
1. Relax and enjoy yourself
First and foremost, relax and enjoy yourself…it’s Christmas after all! Enjoy spending time with your friends and family and totally immerse yourself in all things Christmas and remember to have fun.
2. Everything in moderation and forget the guilt trip
I don’t believe in depriving your body what it craves. If it’s a salad or a mince-pie then just go with it! I’m a firm believer in a healthy balance and I hope that comes across on my blog. Don’t feel guilty about indulging in heavier foods over the festive period or in fact anytime of the year, they’re there to be enjoyed just like healthier foods too.
3. Drink lots of water
It’s the festive season, so I expect that the alcohol will be out in full force, however it’s also important to drink lots of water too. Water keeps you hydrated as well as alert and is great for your skin. Sometimes hunger pangs are mistaken for thirst, so it’s worth drinking a glass of water first if you have recently eaten.
4. Keep on moving
I’m not talking about going to the gym, not like there’s anything wrong with that at Christmas time! Long family walks on Boxing Day, dancing around your living room to your favourite Christmas songs, shopping in the sales are all great ways to dust of the cobwebs after being cooped up inside for so long.
5. Snack healthy
Have some healthy snacks on standby to keep you going between meals if you do get hungry, because I know I do! By snacking healthy between meals, it means that you can indulge during your main meals and not feel guilty.
My tips may seem perhaps a little strange, especially from a healthy living blogger and some may disapprove, but for me Christmas is my most favourite time of the year and should be enjoyed. It shouldn’t be remembered for how many calories you consumed or the number on the scales, but for those special times spent with your friends and family.
You can watch my new video on how to stay happy and healthy at Christmas on my YouTube Channel, even little Aiden gives his opinion or should I say baby babble on the subject!
How do you stay happy and healthy at Christmas? Are you tired of seeing all the faddy diets in the magazines at this time of year?
* Hudl2 provided by Tesco to make the video, but all content and opinions are my own
Some great tips, keep on moving and everything in moderation is very important in life.
Thank you! Everything in moderation is certainly key.
I couldn’t agree more! I think this is the first Christmas that I am fully excited for, without any fear of what I might eat 🙂
Also, there seems to be such a tendency to eat all these festive foods like they’re going to vanish if we don’t and we’ll never see them again…
I have to say too though that I am excited for my Christmas Day run 🙂 everyone you see is just so happy and says hello, it’s lovely!
It’s so great that you’re actually excited for this Christmas as you’ve let go of some of your food inhibitions Pip. I bet it’s lovely to start Christmas day with a run. I will have to try that one year.
Quite right too. I consider myself to have quite a healthy lifestyle, but most definitely indulge all through the year in good home cooked food. As you say, it’s about getting a balance and plenty of exercise.
I think that you’re spot on Choclette, moderation and exercise go hand in hand to be healthy and happy. 🙂
I agree, it’s ok to have treats as long as they are in moderation. And being active around Christmas time is also important. Walking is the minimum you can do and it’s definitely a good idea to walk after the meal as it helps with digestion. If the weather is not that great, dancing around living room could do the trick! Good idea!
Petra
http://www.behealthynow.co.uk
I think dancing around the living room to your favourite Christmas songs would be so much fun. 🙂
I love a Christmas day walk, especially after the big meal. And everyone you see is so happy and festive 🙂
It’s nice to walk off that bloated belly after that fab Christmas meal isn’t it. I always end up stuffed after Christmas lunch.
I think most people lose perspective at this time of year- after all Christmas is only one day, but I think the shops are flooded with things for months in advance so we can all go a bit crazy!
So true Maria! I think we all tend to go overboard with buying so much food that we don’t really need.
All about the drinking water part – so important and it helps you feel clean too:) and keeping moving again great way to release those happy hormones!
Absolutely Kezia! Drinking water is so healing for the body all year round really.
I totally agress with you, life is way to short to be so strict with yourself all year round. If you enjoy things in moderation, you can do it guilt free.
Great tips 🙂
Gems x
I think you are so right, moderation is so important in all aspects of life really.
Lovely, sensible tips that allow you to enjoy Christmas, whilst still keeping happy and healthy.
#UKBloggers
Thanks! 🙂
Great article thanks for sharing!
Of course the most important is to relax and enjoy yourself!
Water is very important as it has lots of health benefits.