FESTIVITIES

Now I really don't want to come across as a party pooper with today's blog - but.............Christmas and New Year are really not an excuse to gorge on whatever you like and become a couch potato for a couple of weeks. Believe me if you do you WILL regret it come January 2010. (I shouldn't put people off because I'm usually stacked out work wise in Jan with people panicking to lose all the weight they piled on at Christmas!!)

Today's blog is just aimed at passing on a few simple tips, which you may or may not wish to take on board, to help you avoid having a wobbly tummy and a whole pile of lethargy and guilt come January.

Here goes :

Party time - don't stand near the nibbles! It's far more difficult to stuff your face if you're nowhere near the food.If you do wish to nibble try unsalted nuts, olives or satsumas and steer well clear of all those deep fried party packs that all the supermarkets are selling dirt cheap at the moment. The reason they're cheap is that they contain very FEW nutrients , and will leave you wanting more and more.

Never go to a party hungry!

Most people are going to sink a whole load more alcohol than they would normally, I think that's a given but if you can have a glass of water (yes, you read that correctly!) for every glass of alcohol a) you'll feel better the day after and b) you won't pile on so many pounds. Remember that any/all alcohol sits around the tummy area, and stops your body burning calories from other foods.

Watch your portion sizes. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean that your stomach requires more to fill it, it really doesn't. Try drinking a glass of water 20 minutes before a meal, it'll fill you up a bit so you won't eat as much.

Christmas dinner itself doesn't have to be unhealthy. Turkey is a great lean meat full of goodness, as are all those wonderful winter veggies that go with it, sprouts especially. Eat these two foods first and then see if you have room for stuffing, roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in bacon and Yorkshire puddings etc!!

Little tip when making roast potatoes - make them larger! They absorb less fat.

Get outside - go for brisk walks, and take the whole family. It'll stop arguments over TV programmes, the kids can let off steam, and you'll work off some calories; killing lots of birds with one stone.

And last but not least if you are going to pig out, and most of us probably will - do it for just two DAYS and not two WEEKS!

Eat and drink consciously, and pace yourself.

ENJOY, have a fabulous time and I hope Santa is good to you. Thanks for reading my blog, there'll be more in the new year.
RX