TIPS TO A HEALTHY CHRISTMAS
Well it’s that time of year that we are eating out and drinking out more than any other time of the year. Visiting friends and family who just want to feed us. I think there is a love hate relationship with Christmas, we love to eat the foods and drink the drinks but god doesn’t the guilt come on the days afterwards. So have a read through some of my tips and maybe there is one or two things you can keep in mind over the Christmas that will help!
BREAKFAST: Don’t be tempted to skip your breakfast just because you have over indulged the night before. Skipping your breakfast will set you up for snacking on unhealthy foods through-out the day. Have a healthy breakfast with some protein in it to help keep your blood sugars balanced. Try natural yoghurt topped with a handful of berries, chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon / a delicious Turkey omelette / a bowel of porridge. This will help stabilises blood sugar levels, which helps control appetite. If you can’t face a cooked breakfast then have a homemade smoothie made with fruits like bananas or mango – which helps replenish the electrolytes lost due to the diuretic effects of alcohol. Add in some natural yoghurt or seeds.
Hydration: Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water in the day. Or include some herbal teas if you find water too bland. A nice warming ginger tea or comforting chamomile before going to bed. Green tea is dehydrating so don’t include this as one of your glasses of water. Even mild hydration can lead to headaches especially if combined with the diuretic effects of alcohol.
Snacks : include protein in your snack to help stabilise blood sugars. A slice of porridge bread with crunchy almond butter or a piece of fruit with a handful of nuts. Make some delicious bone broth from the turkey bones and have a mug of homemade turkey soup. For treats, skip the bought cookies and cakes over the Christmas and go for homemade.
Exercise: Get outside and stay active. Even if it’s a 20 minute walk you will feel better that you made the effort.
Alcohol: can interfere with your blood sugar by slowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream; it also contains a lot of calories. Dehydration, low energy, cravings for sugary and fatty foods, dark circles, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and poor skin are just a few of the classic and instantly recognisable symptoms associated with excessive alcohol intake. A good tip is to have a glass of water in-between each alcoholic drink and before you go to bed to make sure you stay hydrated.
The sodium: potassium balance can become disrupted following alcohol consumption. Coconut water is a good natural source of potassium – try drinking some before you go to bed.
ALL IN ALL, AS MY FATHER SAYS EVERYTHING IN MODERATION – EVEN MODERATION!
HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PEACEFUL HOLIDAY AND MOST OF ALL ENJOY IT.