Have a healthy holiday

The festive season is upon us once more, and we are generally going to eat and drink as much as we want. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?  

The answer is yes, but is there a way of getting through the parties, mince pies and alcohol without completely sabotaging your body and all the hard work you have put into staying in shape?

The answer once more is yes, but you will still have to be smart and apply more discipline to your choices when it comes to food and alcohol consumption.

Food: Eat a nutritious Christmas meal complete with all trimmings rather than waste your calories on a tin of Roses.

In my book there is nothing unhealthy in a Christmas dinner; you have meat, a mixed array of delicious vegetables, roast potatoes, stuffing and gravy. 

The body can utilise this healthy fuel and if you have a bigger portion than normal, you can walk it off later if need be. 

The hidden dangers are the chocolate gifts, rich desserts and festive pastries. Most have no nutritional value whatsoever and are full of unhealthy calories.

Alcohol: Not to be the party pooper, but we know there is going to be a fair amount circulating your system. Be kind to your liver by making sensible choices. 

Spirits are probably the healthiest choice, providing you pay attention to the measures. Most spirits on their own tend to be a purer form of alcohol and lower in calories (average 98 per serving) compared to other drinks such as beer and cider (average 160-200). Obviously a mixer would need to be a diet form.

Wine: Try substituting your 125ml glass of white wine (average 85 cals) for a wine spritzer and half the alcohol and calories over the evening.

Beer: Is the one that will give you the classic belly due to its high calorie content (average 225) so take your time with your pint, you have been warned.

It is good to let yourself go a little, but just remember that the New Year will be here before you know it and the more pounds you have accumulated the more you’re going to have to burn off.