Don't slack off in the lead up to Christmas
1. Don't slack off on the exercise!
According to LA fitness (www.lafitness.co.uk), attendance at the gym declines by a staggering 30 – 35% during the month of December suggesting that the UK is choosing the more indulgent options that are available at that time of year, such as party going or hours spent in front of the television. LA fitness believes that there is certainly nothing wrong with indulging yourself during the festive season provided you remember to balance this out with healthier habits at other times of the day.
“Christmas is a time when our normal routine changes and many people put off fitness during the Christmas party season believing that they do not have time to exercise and enjoy the holiday season”, said Tony Orme from LA fitness. “That is why after New Year so many gyms are full with new members and why so many fitness regimes fail. Staying fit and enjoying the festive season can be done together and with a little health and fitness know-how you don't have to avoid all the parties.”
LA fitness’ top exercise tips for burning off those Christmas excesses:
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Amount of exercise needed to work off Christmas treats |
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4oz Christmas pudding (300 calories) |
45 extra minutes in an aerobics class |
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One mince pie (250 calories) |
30 minute swim |
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90g serving of roast turkey (149 calories) |
30 minute stroll round the neighbourhood |
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5 Cadbury’s Roses or Heroes (200 calories) |
20 minutes on the running machine |
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1 measure of Baileys (114 calories) |
4 minute kiss under the mistletoe! |
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70g slice of iced rich Christmas cake (245 calories) |
30 minutes on the rowing machine |
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A night out at the office Christmas party |
Its’s gonna be tough but after a bit of a lie in, plenty of water and breakfast hit the gym and get active for 30-60 minutes, you will feel better afterwards – we promise. Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid fatty processed foods. |
Keeping to your normal workout schedule as much as possible will avoid the onslaught of the ‘downslide’ so it’s advisable to get some exercise into most days. If you really can’t get into the gym then get into ‘snack-tivity’ snippets of exercise that add up to at least 30 minutes a day, such as turning the music up and speed cleaning the house or hitting the sales for a walk round the shops.
2. Spot "trigger foods" before they become a problem ...
A recent survey by YorkTest laboratories (www.YorkTest.com) found that two thirds of Brits endure side effects from their food during Christmas, with six in ten Brits sometimes experience IBS/pain or discomfort as a result of what they’ve eaten. But we still take the gamble – sixty per cent will happily tuck into food they know will cause them side effects this Christmas.
One way to make sure ensure you aren't left bloated and in pain over christmas is to firstly discover which foods you might be intolerant to so that you can try and limit them in your diet. The YorkTest First Step Food Scan test costs £9.99 and gives an initial yes/ no answer to see if intolerances are present.
3. Get your digestion in good condition before the overeating begins
Over the festive period, we are more likely to eat rich food and drink alcohol, which means that your stomach and digestion is given a bit more of a thrashing than usual. Taking measures now to ensure that your body is well-looked after, will reduce the need for a January detox and make it much easier for your body to recuperate from overeating and drinking - think of it as damage limitation.
Try taking a probiotic supplement such as ProVen Probiotics. ProVen Adult Probiotic 25 billion - £12.95 for 30 capsules. Available from www.provenprobiotics.co.uk as well as Lloyds pharmacies and leading health food stores.
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