‘Tis the season to be jolly!!

Of course it is…but often it is also the season that people undo all their healthy habits that they have been implementing for the rest of the year. ‘Tis the season to **** it and eat and drink whatever you want with the view of “starting again” in January apparently.

This was me, every year for as long as I can remember, but it was January last year that I vowed to get off that roller coaster for good. And when I think back to the year gone by, I think I’ve done ok!

I’ve changed my mentality that I am either “on it” or “off it” when it comes to food and exercise. I have given myself back some control and know that sometimes I choose to eat and drink things that are less than nutritious…and that’s ok. I can then choose to make a healthier choice the next time.

I have always done some exercise but I am now much more active generally throughout the day.  I fit exercise and activity into chunks of the day when I can…but also allow myself time to rest and recover. I don’t exercise every day. Don’t get me wrong, I still sometimes beat myself up…but I am getting better at not beating myself up about beating myself up (if you get me).

So coming into December, I am going to just keep it up. I don’t feel like I need to have a break from my healthy habits because I don’t view them as something I need to take a break from. I won’t deprive myself of all the deliciousness of Christmas dinner and I’m sure I will enjoy one too many Christmas chocolates too. I choose to eat one too many Christmas chocolates…but I also choose to take a walk and enjoy some fresh air.

If you have been like me and usually let yourself go a bit too much over the festive season, and then really regret it, here are my tips to staying fit and healthy throughout December whilst still enjoying all your favourite treats and traditions without guilt.

1. Take back the control…you are your own boss. Don’t let anyone or anything take that away from you. Every time you say “I have to eat the dessert my mum made” or “I have no willpower”, change it to “I choose to eat or do this”. It’s ok to choose to be unhealthy. If you are in control of your choices, you can also choose to go for a walk, or add extra veggies to your plate. Personally, I choose to drink a few glasses of prosecco on New Year’s Eve (and probably a few other nights too)…and I won’t feel guilty about it.

2. Exercise – if you do nothing else, keep up with some physical activity. Because things are so busy and hectic, it might not be as much as before, but still do something. Anything is better than nothing. Arrange to go for a walk with friends and family. Swim, run, whatever it is you enjoy, keeping up this one healthy habit can be the game changer to your health and wellbeing over Christmas. Not just because it burns calories, but it makes you feel better, calmer, less stressed and more likely to make better food choices.

3. Work out the indulgences that make Christmas Christmas for you. For me, it’s mulled wine, cheese and biscuits and a Christmas film. Mince pies and Christmas pudding I can take or leave. My bet is there are loads of things you eat and drink over Christmas that you wouldn’t actually miss. But then there are those treats that you absolutely love. Work out the difference and stick to the things you love…and really enjoy them without the guilt!

And that’s it for me.

I will exercise (probably not as much, but still enough).

I will make my own choices and some of them will be less than healthy.

I will choose the indulgences that give me the most pleasure.

And I will not feel guilty

Merry Christmas!