How to have a healthy Christmas

by Seki Tijani from The Nutrition Coach

It's easy to use Christmas as an excuse to pig-out, not care about what you are eating and drinking, and promise yourself you'll start again with your New Year's resolutions. But a clinical nutritionist from the The Nutrition Coach reveals that having a healthy holiday season is easier than you think - and will leave you feeling better (and slimmer) in January

Christmas is a time, by all means, to have fun, enjoy friends and family, and get away from work. But why make getting into shape harder for yourself on 1 January? After all, will that extra helping of Chrismas pud or mince pie really make that much difference to your enjoyment? Here are some tips to help you live sensibly this holiday season. No rules, no promises, just good practices.

Three important things to remember How to handle the Christmas buffet Tips for 'healthier' drinking How to stay feeling fresh Christmas Day tips More about The Nutrition Coach

Three important things to remember

Learn to recognise and acknowledge your true hunger and appetite. Don't automatically accept seconds and if you know you have eaten plenty, stop. While Christmas is a special time for being with family, it's just another day of the year when it comes to what you eat. Don't undo all the good work of the year by gaining pounds over Christmas and then feeling disappointed with yourself. Allow time for yourself; don't feel obliged to attend every event you are invited to, if you really don't want to go, don't; just decline politely.

How to handle the Christmas buffet
Tempting as that spread may look, don't let it take you up another hole on your belt. Keep the following tips in mind. Avoid going out when you're hungry; you'll more inclined to overeat. Have some fruit, yoghurt, sandwich or cereal beforehand. Don't stand by the food, make your selection and move away; you can come back if you are still genuinely hungry. Select raw vegetables with dips; hummus, guacamole and salsa types, avoiding creamy options. Avoid fried/fatty foods such as sausage rolls. Choose solid pieces of chicken or turkey and remove the skin or look for fish options. If you must indulge in dessert, share with someone (it's much cosier that way, as well).