Christmas party survival guide – how to survive the season of joy and overindulgence
Christmas is a time to catch up with our friends and family and feast on delicious food and drink but most of us put on an average of 2lbs over Christmas and often find it hard to lose, so here are a few tips to help you have a healthier festive season.
Research has shown alcohol increases appetite and diminishes self-control, so try not to party on an empty stomach. Have a snack before you go to a party, a pot of natural yogurt and banana or bowl of wholegrain cereal, so you aren’t ravenous on arrival. Don't be tempted to skip meals so you can stockpile calories for drinking. Alcohol only supplies ‘empty calories’, so avoiding proper meals to compensate for a booze splurge means you're losing out on valuable nutrients, just when your body needs them. To help prevent a hangover, stick to one type of drink and I make it a lighter-coloured one because they tend to be lower in the chemical by-products that can worsen a hangover. Aim to have no more than one alcoholic drink an hour, alternated with juice, water or soft drinks – perfect if you don't like holding an empty glass.
Drink plenty before you go to bed if you have over done it, dehydration is a large part of feeling hungover.
Be buffet savvy, make and effort not to stand near the buffet table, the more visible choice we have the more it stimulates our appetite. The nearer you stand the easier it is to mindlessly eat. Try and pick vegetable and protein options and then wait at least 10 mins before you return. It takes that long for the stomach to register being full. Always try and eat well the morning after, omelettes with veg or porridge with berries and nuts and seeds are ideal.
Finally, be as active as you can, plan family walks, indulge in a bit of dad or mum dancing or play some active games.
Happy Christmas!