How To Take The Weight Out Of Christmas

Remain Active

“Don’t just sit about at home. Get out and go for some long walks. Whether it’s to the pub or someone’s house, having somewhere to walk to makes it easier to clock the miles up. Don’t underestimate the benefits of getting your ‘NEAT’ up: this stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which in layman’s terms is the calories you unintentionally burn from day-to-day activities.” – Lee Stephens, Third Space.
 
“Take every opportunity to move. Squat while brushing your teeth, plank while waiting for the kettle to boil, or do a mini band exercise while there’s an ad break. Just because you can’t get to the gym on a regular basis doesn’t mean you have to give up on exercise. The key is to set simple and achievable goals during this period, and not set yourself up to fail.” – Toby Huntington-Whiteley, Kobox

Beware The Buffet Danger Zone

“So you’ve been invited to a Boxing Day lunch party… Have your food on a plate before you start drinking as the effect alcohol has on appetite can be overwhelming.  The more you drink, the more you nibble. Try taking what you want, then move away.” – Rob Hobson, The Detox Kitchen 

Try A Quick Blitz

“If time and space permit, get yourself a little bodyweight workout in. It could be 15, 20 or 30 minutes, whatever works for you. If you have a gym nearby and you know it’s open, take yourself there for a quick blitz. It doesn’t need to be for long, but it will make you feel much better and will tide you over for when you want to get back into a routine come the new year. Just remember that Christmas is a time for friends and family, and not obsessing over how many bicep curls you’re missing out on.” – Lee

Work Out When To Work Out

“The best time to indulge in a meal or celebration is post-workout. After exercising, our body requires calories to start building and repairing itself, so try and book a class, head to the gym or even get outside for a bike, run or walk before you indulge in a big meal or head for a night out.” – Toby

Choose Your Booze

“It is inevitable that alcohol consumption will rise. Where you can, choose the less calorie-dense drinks like a vodka soda or gin and slimline, instead of a Buck’s Fizz or a pint.” – Lee

Don’t Skip Meals

“Yes, you know you’ve got a big Christmas dinner coming up; yes, there’s more food in one day than you’ve seen all year. But don’t skip meals earlier in the day, because you will 100% go overboard, and then you’ll be in a food coma, lying on the sofa watching Elf feeling sorry for yourself.” – Lee

Make A Small Food Switch

“Lessen the ‘richness’ of your meal by partnering rich meats and sauces with light accompaniments such as steamed vegetables. If your meal is a big sit-down event with lots of courses, opt for a light starter and light pudding with your rich main course to lessen the load of heavy, fatty foods that can put a strain on your digestive system.” – Rob

Eat Slower

“Taking your time with your food can help to stimulate digestive enzymes. If you suffer with heartburn, avoid triggers such as citrus fruits, spicy foods, chocolate and caffeine that can increase the production of stomach acid. Don’t go straight to bed after eating but, if you are hit with heartburn, then lie on your left-hand side to alleviate the symptoms as gravity helps to drive reflux back into the gut.” – Rob

Keep On Top Of Your Health

“Colds and flu are rife around this time, so make sure you keep on top of your health by getting plenty of veg into your daily diet and extra Vitamin D. Take a supplement like Alpha Men Multivitamins to support your mineral levels. If you do feel under the weather, don’t fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself, sitting on the sofa in your dressing gown with a tub of Celebrations. Rest for as long as you need to, but also get up and get out – guaranteed you will start to feel much better.” – Lee

Be Accountable & Be Realistic

“It’s Christmas time and you’re allowed to enjoy yourself, so it’s a given that most people are going to put on a bit of weight. Just get yourself in the mindset that you may have to work a little bit harder when schedules go back to normal.” – Lee