22 Dec The Holiday Season!

The holiday season is the perfect time to take gratitude of the things we have already, hopefully surrounded by family, friends & good spirit. So regardless if you have been a naughty girl or boy a good one this year, I am going to give you a few early presents of health advice to last you a lifetime; unlike that ab-crunch pro that got dusty 2 weeks after it came down ye olde chimney!
Awaken the holiday spirit, with my healthy holiday lifestyle tips:

Balance.Basically do the math, calorie input v calorie output. If you know you have a mammoth of a luncheon on your hands, followed by a just as heavy sherry guzzling session to follow, skip the carbs at breakfast and opt for a lighter option such as fruit and yogurt or a smoothie, to allow for more indulgence later in the day.
Self control. Got a great wall of china being built from chocolate gifts from clients & work mates? Well that’s handy because, your sister suddenly gained a child! “I was sure she had 2 last year?!”. Wrap it up and recycle recycle recycle, if you can’t see it you won’t touch it! If you are feeling a little inhospitable, instead of little bowls of abundant chocolates dotted throughout the house, fill them with dried cranberries and apricots as a healthy alternative.
Office Christmas parties: Practice portion control, grab the smallest plate you can get your hands on and load it with the healthiest options you can find such as: vege sticks, dips, salads, fruit platters, wraps, lean meats. Just because they are mini party size, try to still stay away from: sausage rolls, mince pies, Christmas puddings, bowls of lollies, chips and sandwiches. Most importantly, don’t go back for more!
Family ties. No time to train due to a marathon of family events? There will be no pile ups on the beachfront or park benches for Tri-cep dips this time of year, as everyone is as busy as you and we all know a short workout is better than a non-existent one. Tell the relatives you have gone to the supermarket to pick up an extra turkey in case those second cousins pop their heads in, and then hit the pavement. Even better, run to the groceries, use the weighted bags as free weights on the way home…perfect for bi-cep curls on the go!
That’s the spirit. There is no denying it, and very little chance of avoiding a jolly beverage, or two, this time of year. Try to go for healthier options including white spirits such as vodka & gin, mixers such as soda & tonic water or even find hidden health benefits from a couple of antioxidant rich mulled wines. If adamant to keep the unwanted Christmas kilos at bay without feeling like a party pooper, stick that hand up straight up to be nominated driver for the night.
Moderation. Now this is the season for indulgence, so a little of what you like is all part and parcel of enjoying this time of the year. Some things to avoid other than that creepy great uncle can include eggnog, stuffing, mince pies, Christmas pudding, beer, brandy & too much red meat. Try something lighter such as: Turkey salads, omlettes, sorbet, fruit kebabs, prawns and dip.

The wind down from a year’s worth of events, to learn and grow from, is the perfect time to set personal & health goals for the coming year. The secret to a happy, healthy and guilt free holiday season, Balance.