Winter is a wonderful time of the year filled with festive celebrations, and get-togethers with family and friends. However, it can also be a time when people put on weight easily. This is because many people tend to overindulge in festive foods and drink. Eating too much during the festive season can leave you feeling bloated and unhealthy. It can also make you feel lethargic as you enter into the new year. This can have a detrimental effect on your energy levels and lead to you not enjoying the festive season as much as you would like.
So how can you stay healthy during this festive period? It is really simple; keep your good routines in place such as exercise and make some easy but equally delicious substitutions. Read on to find out how to ensure you make the most of the parties and dinners without letting your healthy habits slip.
1. Keep to your regular exercise routine
During the Christmas period you may find that you have less time to exercise than you would normally. This is quite common. It doesn’t mean that you have to give up on exercising altogether though. Try to fit some exercise into your day whenever you can. For example, you could take the dog for a walk every morning or evening after work instead of watching your favourite TV show. You could also do some household chores whilst listening to music and dancing along to the beat.
2. Eat nutritious foods
When faced with lots of tempting treats it is very easy to let go and eat things that are high in fat, sugar and salt. However, by making smart food choices during the holiday season you can avoid this. Instead of eating lots of sugary treats why not snack on seasonal fresh fruits such as figs and clementines, dried fruits which as high in fibre or a handful of nuts instead? These foods are good for you and contain many essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health. You will also feel much better about yourself if you eat foods that are good for your health instead of just eating for the sake of it. If you do find yourself feeling bloated and uncomfortable then a product such as bromatech can be beneficial.
3. Eat regular meals
It’s important to eat regularly to avoid overeating at meal times. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent cravings for sugary foods and other unhealthy snacks. Try not to skip any meals as this may cause you to overeat when you do eat a meal. It is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. Water helps to flush out toxins from the body which helps you to feel healthier and more energised. Drinking water also helps to keep you feeling full and reduces your appetite so you don’t feel the need to snack between meals.
4. Avoid too much alcohol
Alcohol can lead to weight gain and dehydration which in turn can cause you to feel tired and sluggish. It can also weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to illness. If you do drink alcohol it is best to do so with a meal so that it is absorbed better by the body and does not cause too much damage to your digestive system. Try to stick to wine as it is lower in calories and also contains a number of antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against infection. If you are going to have a few drinks then try to do them early in the day rather than in the evening so you can sleep soundly and avoid feeling tired the next day.
5. Take some time for yourself
Mental health is equally as important as physical health. At this time of year, we tend to spend more time than usual with family and friends. Depending on familial circumstances it can be challenging. Ensure to schedule some time for yourself, to do the things you enjoy at this time of year. Whether that is taking a long soak in the bath, taking advantage of the discounts during the January sales, or enjoying a spin gratis on your favourite online casino, it is so important to take a break from social activities to recharge your batteries.