The Christmas to New Year’s period is a pretty hectic time for everyone. In fact December as a whole is generally pretty chaotic. Most people struggle with getting through this period without blowing out all of their hard work throughout the year. Firstly let’s talk about 2 weeks of Christmas to New Year; these two years are totally irrelevant in the big scheme of things. Worry more about the other 50 weeks of the year, rather than these two weeks. In these two weeks, enjoy the festivities, laugh with your loved ones and enjoy good times making memories together. At the end of the day, that is the most important part of life.

Now let’s discuss the rest of the festive and holiday period, of December and January. Here are 10 ways to get through these months without throwing away all of your hard work:

1.    Aim for 10,000 steps per day. This will help you stay active even on the days you don’t participate in prescribed exercise.

2.    Drinks at least 2 litres of water per day to help you stay hydrated and help metabolize fat.

3.    Limit alcohol to only one or two days per week, and keep it to under 3 drinks.

4.    Ensure to eat complete meals filled with nutritious clean food to keep you nice and full. This will help you eat less dessert and avoid binging.

5.    Get out in the sun every day for at least 15 minutes per day. The sunshine will help produce your serotonin hormone, your happy hormone, which helps you feel amazing, boost your energy and reduces stress.

6.    If you struggle with weight blow outs during this period, focus more on maintaining your current weight, rather than dropping weight. Removing this stress out of your mind stops you from self-sabotaging and keeps your weight under control.

7.    Enjoy good food in good company. Don’t binge when you are alone and restrict yourself when with loved ones. Eat clean for most of your meals then when in good company enjoy fun food without guilt. Otherwise it can be mentally unhealthy and can lead to food disorders and all sorts of negative self-talk.

8.    Avoid allergen or intolerance food at all times. There is never an excuse to eat these.

9.    Avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals leads to binging.

10.  Choose outings that are active and social.

– Coach Terri