You’ve worked hard all year, don’t fall victim to the Christmas bulge!!
I hate to say it, but I LOVE this time of year. No matter how hard I try to resist it, Christmas does something to me that makes me happy. I love everything about it, the adverts on TV, the smell, the fact that it’s acceptable to stay in my pyjamas for a week and although sometimes annoying I just can’t resist a Christmas tune! This year it has come around so fast! For the first time in my life I have been totally unprepared for it because like you, I am busy, life is busy.
With the good comes the bad, and if you are trying to maintain a healthy eating and fitness plan, it can feel like a constant battle to resist the temptations that surround us. Every house you walk into displays a tin of quality streets, there are umpteen parties to attend, all with a buffet and you begin to lose count of the packs of chocolate money and selection packs that people so kindly buy you as gifts. As I said, not easy! So to give you a little helping hand this Christmas potential PT have put together the ultimate Christmas survival guide to help you enter the new year fresh from a good rest but without the added festive pounds.
The Buffet Table
Eat a healthy meal before arriving so that you aren’t starving hungry when the food gets brought out. Common thinking is that if you skip dinner you can save you calories, this does not work! Most people will end up consuming more food by using this method. You’ve heard people say never to do your food shopping on an empty stomach; well this is exactly the same theory. If you do eat from the buffet table then try to opt for fish, such as smoked salmon, chicken on skewers, crudités with hummus and fresh fruit. Some cheeses are absolutely fine in moderation, but there’s a key word there…..MODERATION. To avoid overeating fill your plate and step away from the buffet!!
Alcohol
We aren’t silly, at Potential PT we like to think of ourselves as realists and to be quite frank, advising you guys not to drink alcohol would be totally correct but very unrealistic, especially at Christmas. Some people like to let their hair down and enjoy a few drinks, and that’s fine, just remember our golden rule again MODERATION!! Alcohol is high in sugar (carbohydrate), having a protein heavy day will help to limit the amount of carbohydrates that you consume. Make sure you are well hydrated BEFORE you start drinking, and then consume a glass of water I between each drink. Better drinks to opt for are; Vodka and soda, gin and tonic, red wine, Bloody Mary or even Guinness (it holds some nutritional value). The following day ensure that you feed your body with the nutrients that it requires even more, lots of water, fresh veg and NO McDonalds! I know at the time it feels good, but it really won’t help your recovery or your waistline.
Christmas Dinner
When you break it down, many parts of the Christmas dinner are really good for you, Turkey and vegetables are great…it’s the pigs in blankets and Yorkshire puds that can let us down. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a few roasties on Christmas day but if you do want to stay as “on plan” we have created an amazing Christmas Dinner recipe for you to enjoy. Your Dinner will consist of;
Roast Turkey
Healthy Christmas Stuffing
Roasted Mixed Vegetables
Brussel Sprouts with Prosciutto and Pine Nuts
Butternut Squash, Leak and Apple Bake
Get Up And Move
There is no better time of year to get out and about for a nice wintery walk. The family are all together, the kids are climbing the walls on a blend of chocolate and sweets and there is most certainly a new bike or pair of wellies that need trying out!! Christmas reminds me that it’s time to take some time out to enjoy what I’ve got around me……So Joey and I wrapped up warm and got out in the countryside for a long winter walk. I’m no adventurer!! I HATE walking in a town, but I love walking if it fits the following criteria;
- It can’t be raining
- Relatively easy (I’m not afraid of walking up a few hills, but I am a total girl when it comes to climbing or sharp descent)
- Pretty and/or interesting to look at
- Involve some kind of water (I love a lake!)
- With good company or good music
- Not ridiculously long
We had a great time, we saw pigs, made a bow and arrow, paddled in a river and laughed. The only expense from the whole trip was the shoelace that my brothers housemate is now missing from his trainers, which served well for the bow. To some of you this might be your worst nightmare, but it left me feeling refreshed, and that I had accomplished something far better than I had in a while. Think of what helps you to relax and unwind, shedule the time for it. You might be a bit “bah humbug”, but it’s good to remember that this time of year gives us time to spend with those that we love the most, relaxing and recharging the batteries. It’s an important part of your health and fitness programme, so I’m requesting that you all make some time for yourself.
Enjoy the rest and relaxation this christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year ready to smash our health and fitness goals and make 2014 your best year ever!
We Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!