Letting our hair down, enjoying a little too much of what we shouldn’t and throwing all our healthy diet and exercise regimes to the wind is all part of the Christmas season…
But it can start taking its toll come January 1st.
We can admit it now, you’re probably not going to feel fan-bloody-tastic after all your wining, dining and dancing, but to get you as ready as possible we’ve got a simple guide for preparing your body for the onslaught.
Beat The Christmas Slug
Christmas is an excuse to eat richer foods than you might do the rest of the year, our cue to putting down the office box of Roses. Our body can find it difficult to digest the food, leading to indigestion, stomach cramps and a sluggish feeling.
Encourage good bacteria in your body by taking a probiotic supplement to boost the amount of bacteria in your digestive system. You could also start drinking a small probiotic yoghurt drink once a week for top results.
Foods such as onions, whole grains, tomatoes, bananas and leeks are all probiotics too. Kepe on munching into these and your digestive system will be in tip-top shape for the Christmas week.
Keep On Moving
Our normal routine changes at Christmas and many of us put fitness off during the party season. Staying fit and enjoying the festive season can be done together. Text a friend or stick in your iPod and go for a half an hour’s walk each day. It might seem like a chore leaving the house but we can guarantee you, you won’t regret it.
To work off your festive treats, you might want to know that 20 minutes running will burn off five Cadbury’s Roses (200 calories) and a half an hour swim will burn off a mince pie (250 calories). Eh-hem, a four-minute kiss will work off a simple measure of Baileys. Nice.
Enjoy your nights out this year, knowing you’re sticking to your healthy lifestyle.
Be Cold Aware
The combination of sleeping less, partying until the early hours of the morning and alcohol all lower your immunity to coughs and colds. Nobody wants a nose rivalling that of Rudolph’s on your Christmas jumper!
Keeping up some exercise will help with this, as it boosts immunity, but basic hygiene will also go a long way. Make sure you wash your hands regularly, particularly before eating.
Also stick to your five a day to give your immune system the nutrients it needs to fight bugs and avoid being around others who are unwell.
Don’t Give Up
Christmas shouldn’t be an excuse to turn around and give up all your hard work on a healthy lifestyle. Yes, New Year is just around the corner and it’s a great time to start a new plan or resolution, but it will be so much harder to start these when you’ve had a bad few weeks.
Remember every little helps. Get on your boots and go for a walk, make sure you get enough sleep and you stay topped up with your fruit and veg. If nothing else, this will help make your New Year’s health resolutions less daunting come January.
