Liv Life Liverpool

Staying Healthy at Christmas: 5 Tips for a Happier, Healthier Festive Season

Christmas is a time many of us look forward to, it’s a chance to slow down from everyday life, celebrate with loved ones and enjoy plenty of good food and drink. But Christmas can also be a challenging time if you’re actively trying to live a healthy lifestyle and manage your weight. Our usual routines can slip, and high calorie temptation is everywhere, with festive treats such as mince pies, Christmas pudding, chocolate and biscuits almost impossible to avoid! It’s easy to lose momentum with your healthy habits at this time of year, but the good news is that you don’t need to give up the things you enjoy to stay healthy over the Christmas period. A few small changes can make a big difference.

Here are my five tips for a happier, healthier festive season:

1. Enjoy Christmas! This isn’t the time for strict “all or nothing” diets or to beat yourself up if you overindulge. Christmas dinners, party food and treats are all part of enjoying the festive season. Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy all this then simply get back on track with healthy habits the next day. Plan your treats in advance and balance your days, if you know you’ve got a big Christmas dinner coming up, have something lighter and healthier earlier in the day.

2. Stay active: Our exercise levels often slip at Christmas time and its understandable with routines changing so much. Allow yourself to stray from your usual exercise routine and instead aim to stay active anyway you can. It could simply be a brisk walk with family members or even a quick 10–15-minute home workout. Some exercise is better than none and this can help to maintain your mood and energy levels to avoid feeling sluggish.

3. Be mindful of festive fluids: Additional calories from fluids are one of the main causes of weight gain, and it’s easy to overlook this at Christmas time. Enjoy alcohol and warm festive drinks in moderation, just be mindful of how much you drink. Maintain your hydration levels by drinking water in between, opt for smaller servings or try alcohol free alternatives.

4. Slow down! Christmas can often feel hectic, but for many of us it will also provide us with a break from everyday life. Busy lives, stress and mindless eating are common factors that effect weight management. Use the festive period as a time to rest and relax, recharge the batteries by reading a new book or watching a TV series.

5. Plan for the new year: Get yourself booked in for a January appointment with one of our Weight Management Coaches or join one of our groups so you’ve got a clear plan in place. Knowing you’ve got support lined up can help you stay focused and motivated through the festive season. If you feel like you need a reset after Christmas, the Liv Life Liverpool team is ready to help you build healthy habits and get back into a routine that works for you.

Kyle Harrison: Weight Management Coach

Boost Your Immune System (and Stay Healthy During the Easter Break)

NEW Virtual Weight Management Sessions Now

Boost Your Immune System (and Stay Healthy During the Easter Break)