Christmas is upon us, a season of indulgence, feasts, celebrations and treats. We all want to let our hair down and enjoy this wonderful time of the year, without feeling guilty.

However, if you’ve worked hard throughout the year on building good habits and becoming healthier, it would be a real shame to undo the progress you’ve made. So, in this blog, we’ll explore 5 ways to strike the balance between enjoying the festivities and staying on track with your fitness goals.

  1. Stay active

Research from University of Liverpool shows that just two weeks of inactivity in young healthy people can reduce muscle mass and produce metabolic changes that could lead to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases.

So why not establish some active family traditions that make exercise a part of your Christmas celebrations? Whether it’s a family walk to admire the holiday lights, ice skating, a snowball fight, or a post-dinner dance party, the opportunities to blend fun and fitness at Christmas are endless. And as a bonus, you will be creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

  1. Choose Healthy Recipes

The Christmas table is often laden with delicious (albeit calorie-rich) dishes. And if you’ve been waiting for months to have your all-time favourite Christmas foods, of course you should enjoy them!

But consider putting a healthy twist on traditional recipes. Experiment with nutritious ingredients, find ways to reduce added sugars, and explore lighter cooking methods. One way to make many foods healthier is simply to make them from scratch instead of buying processed versions with more additives and preservatives. Learn more about some healthy winter foods here!

You can enjoy the flavours of the season without compromising your commitment to a balanced diet.

Tomatoes

  1. Stay Hydrated

Amidst the eggnog and festive beverages, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Water plays a crucial role in supporting your metabolism and can help offset the effects of indulging in holiday treats. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re partaking in alcoholic drinks and keeping warm with drying indoor heating.

  1. Prioritise Self-Care

The holiday season can be busy and demanding, but don’t let self-care take a back seat. Let’s not forget that the holiday is about more than just food and festivities, it’s also about resting and rejuvenating your body and mind to get you ready to navigate the hustles of the new year.

So, prioritise your self-care, prevent unnecessary stress, get plenty of sleep and have some ‘me-time’. Do whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed.

  1. And Most Importantly: Have Realistic Expectations

Finding time to stick to a fitness plan at a time of office parties, dinners with friends and family get-togethers is no easy task. Don’t beat yourself up if your normal fitness routine falls a little by the wayside. We’re only human and ultimately, Christmas is a time to enjoy yourself and spend time with family and friends, so be realistic when setting goals and just try and do your best.