Diet and health
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), an online register which allows you to search for qualified trainers in your area, has all the tips you need to ensure your Christmas season needn’t be a worry.
The top five festive sinners are:
Christmas pudding with double cream: 329 calories
One slice of Christmas cake: 249 calories
Mulled wine: 245 calories per glass
6 chocolates: 268 calories
Chocolate log: 162 calories per slice
Jean-Ann Marnoch, Registrar for REPs, comments: “Beginning a fitness regime a few weeks before the big day will help you go into the Christmas season with an established regular exercise routine so it doesn’t come as a shock.
“Also, with all the treats on offer, don’t forget to maintain a healthy eating programme with portions of fruit and vegetable as this will ensure that the Christmas blow out doesn’t do too much damage. We can all indulge now and again if we remember not to make the Christmas day celebratory feast a continual habit.”
Here, Jean-Ann reveals her top five tips for a guilt free Christmas:
1. Plan ahead so you don’t lose motivation
Begin your fitness regime early in autumn so you get into the routine and you don’t lose motivation come December. Planning walks with colleagues at lunchtime will help you get into a rhythm, or car share to the gym after work when the weather gets cold. Involving others in your exercise regime will help you keep motivation as you spur each other on.
2. Use every opportunity
Where you can, walk instead of taking the car. If you’re out Christmas shopping, park in the furthest space from the shops and walk, or use the stairs instead of escalators. Just one and a half hours shopping can easily burn off that mince pie!
3. Take advantage of the festive parties
That office Christmas party is a great place to get your dancing shoes on! An hour’s dancing can burn over 300 calories, as well as help you exercise whilst having fun. Just remember to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, as one glass of wine or a spirit can have a big effect on your calorie intake.
4. Keep a routine
Choose some body weight exercises that you can do every day, first thing in the morning or last thing at night. For example, simple squats whilst brushing your teeth, or jogging on the spot whilst waiting for the vegetables to steam can really add up.
5. Don’t stop on Christmas Day
Don’t undo all your hard work by quitting as soon as Christmas is over. A regular programme can help maintain a healthy body, improve energy levels and release endorphins to help your mood during January blues.
REPs is an independent public Register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of exercise instructors in the UK, ensuring that instructors and trainers meet the health and fitness industry’s agreed national occupational standards.
If you’re looking for a personal trainer to help you in the build up to Christmas, or if you want to check that your class instructor is suitably qualified to help you reach your fitness goals, search online by name or area at www.exerciseregister.org.
Tagged in Healthy eating Diet tips Healthy Diet Plan Healthy Food