How To Stay Healthy During The Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us again & it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. With all the holiday parties, after-work drinks, cheese plates and cocktails this time of year, it can be hard to stay on the health train when it comes to diet and exercise. I’m going to give you some tips on how to make healthy choices, avoid overeating and still enjoy all that this magical season has to offer! After all, it’s all about balance & fun, not restriction & unsustainable diets. So, ditch the guilt & get prepared for the silly season with these 5 tips.

Tip 1:
Eat before you go out! This tip has totally helped me when it comes to attending holiday parties. I’m a girl who loves my cheese so if I turn up hungry, that cheese plate will be my first stop & I will end up eating way more than I should. If it’s a cocktail party and you know there will only be small snacks, have a good meal before you go. If you know there will be food but also that there won’t be the healthiest options, make a quick protein smoothie and drink it at home. It will fill you up enough, so you won’t want to inhale the chips and salsa.

Tip 2:
Drink lots of water before and during the party. Water is so important for many reasons, the main one keeping you hydrated. Sometimes we think we’re hungry but actually we just need more hydration. Drink plenty of water before you go to ensure your body is well hydrated and then aim to have a glass of water after every cocktail or glass of wine. Alcohol is very dehydrating and drinking water will also help keep the nasty hangover away the next day!

Tip 3:
Look for the healthiest options available. Usually, there are some healthier options on offer at holiday get-togethers. If there’s a hummus/dip platter, go for the cut vegetables rather than the chips or salty crackers. Nuts can be a better option than popcorn or pretzels. They are a good source of fat and will help fill you up (just don’t overdo it).

Tip 4:
Try to avoid super sugary cocktails or creamy drinks. One is ok but after that switch to something lighter like vodka and soda with fresh lime or red wine. Red wine is a good source of antioxidants and we also tend to drink wine at a much slower pace.

Tip 5:
If you’re the one throwing the party, send your friends a list of snacks they can bring (if they want to bring something) then you won’t end up with 20 bags of tortilla chips! Include healthy options like nuts, hummus & cut vegetables. Make some healthy mini pizzas or sliders so people have something decent in their stomach & offer bottled water or sparkling water rather than soda as a non- alcoholic option.