As we enter December I thought you may find it useful to have some ideas of how you enjoy all the parties, gatherings and festivities without throwing caution to the wind and eating everything that catches your eye.  There can be a temptation to think, “Oh well, it’s Christmas and I deserve to enjoy myself”.  To be honest there is nothing wrong with the thought, just the implication behind the thought. Here is a summary of the tips I have for having a great festive season while maintaining a healthy mindset.

1. Firstly accept that there will be plenty of food, drink and sweetie goodness around and put any thoughts of losing weight on hold. 
2. If you have several Christmas parties and get togethers to attend follow these tips on the day and between events give your body some well-earned nutrition.
3. Remember to think ahead – if you are eating out later, have a small snack for lunch.  If you love dessert then hold back on the chips/potatoes/rice/pasta/bread that fills you up. 
4. Drink plenty of water.  During the festive season where the potential is to over indulge on food and alcohol, water is even more important to help flush the toxins from the body and to keep the body hydrated.
5. Where there is a buffet, scan all the food for your favourites and don’t be tempted to have a little of everything – don’t fill your plate before you get to your absolute favourites.
6. At any opportunity where there is a variety of sizes of plates, use a smaller plate which helps the mind feel satisfied with less food.
7. Use the energy gained from a big meal by moving your body more.  Dance the night away, go for a walk the next day, go swimming, anything that burns off the extra fuel consumed.
8. Remember you don’t have to eat every time someone offers you something.  Food is your fuel.  Would you fill up your car with petrol and then stop at every garage en route just because it’s there?
9. If you don’t feel hungry and someone offers you something saying ‘I bought/made it specially for you’, practise your standard reply, ‘How kind of you, I’m not hungry right now so would you mind if I took some home so I can eat it when I will really enjoy it?’
10. And finally, have fun!  Christmas is a time for socialising with family, friends and colleagues and to share some special time with those we choose to spend our life with. 

Over the next few days I’ll expand on some of these to help you take them on board fully.

Any feedback is very welcome and if you have a specific challenge around food at this time please make a comment below and I will do my best to answer in a future blog post.

Until next time,
Linda