If you want to eat something, try not to restrict yourself. However, there is a difference

between moderation and binging. Try not to eat just because it is there, whereas if there is a

specific food you have been looking forward to eating, eat it and enjoy every mouthful!

Likewise, leading a balanced lifestyle occurs all year, but it doesn’t stop or start at Christmas.

Eat nutritiously, but also treat yourself. Why not get in the kitchen and bake some sweet

treats instead of shop buying, you can involve your children and make some healthier

alternatives.

Try making these Christmas treats in your kitchen so you know exactly what’s in them (and it’s  lot more fun than supermarket shopping!)

Take time and appreciate what you are eating. It’s not every day your nan makes her famous

apple crumble, so sit down, turn over your phone and enjoy your food. Think about your

body and stop eating when you’re full. This means eating when you’re hungry, and not just

because you have to.

You do not have to go to the gym every day to work off what you’ve eaten, instead go for a

mindful family walk with the children and dogs. This gets you outside in fresh air, as well as

getting some gentle exercise while in great company.

Need some help getting motivated?  Try this workout to start you off.

Drinking water and keeping hydrated allows your body to not retain water, and also prevent

the dreaded hangover. Keeping well rested over the Christmas period is vital, as sleep allows

your body to rest, and surprisingly minimal sleep can lead to sugar cravings and increased

stress.

If you’re going to drink alcohol, why not swap your lemonade mixer for a soda water or your

dark liquor for a light one. Even better, to reduce that likely hangover, try and have a glass of

water in between each alcoholic beverage. One of my biggest tips, if you are drinking make

sure you replenish yourself with nutritious foods the next day as your body will be very

dehydrated in both water, macronutrients and micronutrients!

While the food is delicious, tasty and out of this world, I want you to remember what

Christmas is really about. When I think of Christmas I always think of the people. Christmas

is a time for laughing over your granddad doing the floss, or seeing your niece ride her bike

for the first time. Try not to get too caught up in the calories and instead live in the moment.

You’ll thank yourself later.