For many of us, this time of year can be a time where all the positive changes made throughout the year go out the window. But this shouldn’t be the case. Â I believe in balance and ensuring that you can maintain your healthy habits year round and can still enjoy those occasional indulgences. We just have to learn how to make good choices as often as possible and indulge in moderation. I am a big believer in flexible dieting especially at this time of year.
Here are some top tops to help you throughout the festive season:
- Start your day with at least 30 minutes of movement – This could be a HIIT/Strength Session, Yoga or a walk.
- Filling Up on a High Protein Snack –  before leaving the house so you don’t over-eat at your event! My favourite snack options before an event: a protein smoothie, a handful of raw nuts, Greek yoghurt with cinnamon, carrot sticks with hummus, a boiled egg. Foods high in protein help keep you fuller for longer. Tip: add chia seeds to your smoothie to give you added fibre! Fibre also keeps you fuller for longer.
- Eat well before the event. Don’t skip meals because you’ll be having a larger lunch or dinner. This can lead to overeating at the event. Eat as you normally would – and make sure you enjoy a good dose of veggies!
- Drink plenty of water
- Aim to make the best food choices available to you. Avoid the fried and sugary options and go for fresher, grilled options instead.
- Try to have a balanced plate of food – good fats, protein, healthy carbohydrates (low GI and gluten-free if possible) as well as veggies. If you want to try something that you may consider ‘unhealthy’ – do not deprive yourself. Put a small portion of your plate and enjoy it without guilt!
- Drink of Choice. Enjoy 2-3 alcoholic drinks at an event if you wish, and choose red wine or gin or vodka with soda water and fresh lime for a healthier option.
-  If you are craving an ‘unhealthy treats’ – that is okay! Remember the next day you will bounce back with great choices, don’t feel guilty.
