Let us try and Get in Shape for Christmas

It is creeping up this year.  I think with the lockdown our normal Christmas build-up isn’t there and the 1st of December is only a few weeks away – it will be on top of us before we know.  With the presumption that the lockdown will be lifted and we will have some sort of social life, we want to look and feel our best.

So why not now start putting some healthy habits into place and lose weight before Christmas.  It makes sense to start eating healthy now and lose some weight so you will not be gaining more weight over the holidays.

Focus now on getting in great shape and in great form for hopefully meeting up with close friends and family, then relax over Christmas and gain a few pounds guilt free.  By January you will be sick of eating chocolate and drinking alcohol, so you’ll be in the right frame of mind to lose any extra weight you gained.

Here are a few tips to get you started now.

• Set yourself up for success. Pick a start date (like this coming Sunday!)  Do a clear out of your cupboards, fridge, and freezer.  Buy healthy food and food that will keep you fuller for longer such as eggs, avocados, salads, soups, chicken, fish, fresh vegetables and pulses. Get healthy carbs instead of bread and pasta!
• Meal Plan.  Meal plan so you know what you need before you go shopping.  Knowing the food you need is critical to your success – check out our grocery shopping tips. 
• Drink water.  Staying hydrated and drinking at least 2 litres of water a day can keep your energy levels up, quench hunger pangs and best of all it has no calories so will keep you from drinking other things that are ladened in sugar and calories.
• Exercise every day.  A healthy, reduced-calorie diet is the key to weight loss, but you also need to exercise and get your body moving.  It burns calories, tones and strengthens muscles, and improves mood.  When you exercise you actually don’t want to eat unhealthily – your craving for these treats is reduced.  Even just try and get out for at least a 30-minute walk every day.
• Don’t give in to temptations.  Temptations are everywhere around Christmas and New Year and before you know it you could consume a 1000 calories and not realise it.  Christmas is starting earlier and earlier every year.  You need to be strong and ask yourself are they worth the calories.  Christmas isn’t a 2-month event it is actually only a few days So allow the treats when it is actually Christmas and enjoy them guilt-free.