The Christmas break is a time for celebration, family, and an excessive amount of Christmas cake, Celebration chocoloates, and eggnog lattes from Starbucks – right?
Sure, for many of us, Christmas won’t be the same this year. However, there could be a variety of people out there who are actually looking forward to a quieter Christmas, without the fuss of Christmas parties, huge family gatherings and events to attend. This is because there are so many people out there who dread the busy days, holiday meals, and lots and lots of sugar and fatty foods offered to them, which are not necessarily a recipe for health.
Perhaps if this is you, you get food-guilt and anxiety about over-indulging. Or, it could be that you’re genuinely a healthy person, and maybe you feel sick, lethargic, and all-around worse in your body when your healthy habits go out the window.
Remember though, as much as possible, Christmas should be merry and bright, and it’s not great for your mind to be feeling guilt-ridden or lethargic.,
Here are an array of health hacks that will help you feel your very best this festive season, no matter what gatherings you’re attending, or how you’re feeling towards foods and health…
Set intentions first
Just a note, the following list or any other advise isn’t created to help you feel like you have “earned” indulgences, or that they can “make up for” extra Christmas baking or sugar feasts. The key is to enjoy the Christmas celebrations to the fullest, without worrying about “holiday weight gain.” Set an intention first that you will enjoy the Christmas traditions, which might mean a 1,500 calorie Christmas dinner followed by dipping into the box of Celebrations.
As well, remember that by sticking to a few health hacks, they are merely here just to keep you on track a little, and can provide some guidance for when you do feel like you’ve massively gone off track. Tell yourself that over the Christmas week, you’re not going to be focusing on resisting, stopping, or shaming, instead you will enjoy time with family, absorbing Christmas traditions, relaxing and doing what feels right. To feel as good as possible, plan ahead by identifying a couple of things that make you feel your very best.
This could be getting up early and journalising, going for a run, or chatting to group of health enthusiasts yourself that you might have a WhatsApp group with. If this is the case, make a note to slot these in, but bear in mind they might not happen as regularly as they would on a normal week. But that’s OK, because once Christmas week has passed, you’re straight back into it!
Look and feel your best
Yes, Christmas means you can slob about and stay in pjs and not wash your hair as much – but you might feel like an utter slob too! If you’re someone who ytakes a lot of pride in their appearance, always working out and focuses on staying trim and dressing well, don’t succumb to pressure to let it slip. Just remember that a bit of slipping is potentially good for the soul, but if making an effort makes you happy, then by all means stick to it.
Wearing shapewear under your clothes is a great way to boost confidence, and as you know you’ll be wearing the best shapewear, waist trainers, fitted underwear or bodysuits, you’ll know you’ve got the best foundations on to look amazing in a Christmas Day dress! Try to remember things like this if you want to be brimming with confidence this year. One of the best brands to look at is Shapellx official – check them out for some inspiration!
Load up on veggies when you can
When you’re about to tuck into your Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day feasts, remember to try and load up on salad or veggies first. These are always the most nutritious parts of any meals, and a salad starter or large side helpings of veggies are what you can find in abundance when feasting this Christmas.
You may find yourself filling up on the more nutritious foods like these, which could even leave you a little stuffed for pudding! If you’re cautious about getting healthy food down you, eat the Brussels sprouts side or the sautéed carrots first before diving into the rest of the meal.
Remember that when we’re starving, we eat quicker, enjoy less mindfully, and over-stuff ourselves, so eat some veggies or salad as a starter or pre-dinner snack if you can.
Move your body first thing
While Christmas is all about lounging around in pj’s and watching Christmas TV, remember that it’s all too easy to just be sipping on hot chocolate, binging Christmas movies and just staying still.
While that does sound like an ideal day, you’ll enjoy the Christmas break even more if you focus on moving your body, bringing in any exercise you love doing, and getting in a little bit of movement. It will boost energy, motivation, and mental health. You can train or workout at home, and keep with you the workout items that help you. Nothing has to change here!
Even if you’re staying at your parents house, you can bring your trusty waist trainer for women, which can sit snuggly under your sweater and over your vest top. These can help you stay trim and work on your tummy control, firming up your stomach muscles and toning that waist. They don’t take up too much room when packing -it’s just like bringing along an extra item to your gym wear!
Aim to get yourself fitness ready in the morning, so it’s done at the start of the day and then you don’t have to worry about fitting in anything active when the family may have plans later on.
Try healthier versions of your favorite Christmas foods
Even if you’re going to someone else’s home for Christmas, nothing is stopping you making a dish or two to bring over. If you can, always opt for homemade over processed foods, and if you make something yourself, you’ll know exactly what goes in it.
You don’t have to choose to make overly creamy, cheese laden mash potatoes. You can roast some potatoes and sprinkle with herbs, and minimise any oil. You can make a smoked salmon and prawn starter, without creamy sauces. You don’t have to make a rich trifle or a gooey cheesecake. You can make a banana bread with nuts and seeds thrown in – it’s up to you!
Think about ingredients choice too. For example, replacing conventional butter with organic butter reduces some of the added chemicals and toxins, and adding chopped spinach to a pasta sauce can boost nutrients. Healthy cooking doesn’t have to sacrifice taste, and eating healthier does not have to mean you forego your favourite foods.
The bottom line is that the Christmas break is to be enjoyed, but you don’t have to sacrifice your healthy eating and fitness regimes if you don’t want. It’s about controlling them, not being too wrapped up with them, and allowing yourself to have a small break when needed. The holidays are a time of laughter and family, but also use them as a time to rest and restore.
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