Delicious December

It’s the 1st December and the Christmas celebrations already seem to be in full swing, especially where there is food involved! Restaurants have their enticing festive menus, the bakeries are full of chocolate covered goodies and the gluwein is starting to flow at the Christmas markets.

The celebrations at this time of year revolve around food and drink, so when it comes to nutrition it’s no surprise that many people decide to throw their good intentions out the window and worry about the fall-out in January. However, you can still have a fun filled month without neglecting your nutrition entirely, and a few simple steps could mean you wake up on the 1st Jan feeling ahead of the game.

So here’s our top 5 tips to enjoying December while minimising the damage!

1. ‘Be Good’ at home. Chances are you are going to be eating out a lot this month, whether at parties, meals with friends or after work drinks to name just a few. So if you can make a conscious effort to eat well at home, you will be able to enjoy these meals out without feeling quite so guilty! Home is where you are in control, where you can make conscious choices about the foods you eat.
2. ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’ If you are stocking up on food and snacks for your own celebrations, try to keep it out of sight till the big day. You know you’re going to eat it at some point, but there’s no need to start straight away. And if you are celebrating at home, you control the menu so you can even sneak in some healthy treats. How about cinnamon apple chips and crunchy roast chickpeas as pre-dinner nibbles? (See our party nibble post for details)
3. Eat first. If you are going to the Christmas markets, or out for drinks, it’s always a good idea to eat first. Not only will you be less likely to go straight for the snacks, but it will also help you deal with that first gluwein (how does that stuff get me tipsy so fast?!)
4. Say no! Now, I’m not suggesting you say no to everything and get constantly hassled for dieting in December, but you also don’t have to eat absolutely everything that comes your way.  A good place to start is with all the sweets and treats you may be offered in the office. Make a conscious decision as to whether you want them or not.
5. Get some Exercise! I know, I know, it’s cold outside and you are busier than ever! But do try and stick with your exercise program. You’ll feel much better for getting off your backside, and you can feel virtuous while having that glass of wine later!

And finally, remember to keep up your water intake throughout the month. Have a drink or two by all means, just make sure you are drinking plenty of water as well. It will help the hangover if nothing else!