Tis the season to be jolly!

It’s been a very long time since I've blogged, I never would have imagined that the last three months of the year would be as hectic as it was. It was filled with long working nights, out of town trips and with that my gym regime and eating plan almost certainly went out the window! The 13th of December saw my work year come to an end! Phew!

I now get to take it easy and sleep-in in the mornings and catch up with family and friends and of course enjoy the silly season!  For many of us the festive season is filled with good food, good friends, and good company and of course the good summer cocktails and the ever flowing champagne! This is usually the time when eating plans and exercise fall out the wayside because of the carefree air that exists around. I myself have already been party to such and have even got myself a popped knee while enjoying the festive season. My quick weekend visit to the Dr had the Dr shaking his head and exclaiming the silly season has begun and silly indeed I did feel but nonetheless good times were had on that particular occasion.

 

 

It’s almost impossible to stick to a good eating plan due to the nature of the treats that are always out there, however this is also the time where we also have the opportunity to take time and cook a good healthy meal as well. so how does one beat that festive bulge then....it’s simple, eating clean and ensuring one doesn’t overdue the copious amounts of ever flowing alcohol that’s usually available.

Here are a few tips from Mama J to try and beat that bulge:

1. Keep active, this is the perfect time to catch up on that spring cleaning, gardening and take those long morning strolls or even runs in the morning without worrying about the time.

2. Always keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you are in the southern hemisphere and it gets as hot as it does, hydrating is the best way to keep you going and most likely prevents you from having unsavoury treats as well. There's always means and ways of making your water look interesting...adding lemon, cherries or berries will add that pop of colour as I love doing.

 

 

3. If you like to indulge in some alcoholic beverages, try and stick to the recommended limits for both men and women, in addition to that always ensure that you do not eat on an empty stomach as that always leaves one with the munchies once you have a drink or two, try to always line your stomach so that you are not only filling it with booze. Sticking to the limit and eating before indulging is almost the best way to not get a hangover ;-)

4. While this one may prove tough, always aim to eat clean, eat loads of vegetables and fruits and avoid overeating when it comes to the all too lovely cupcakes, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and all the other treats out there.

5. Try also to keep to the natural organic stuff rather the eating up the refined foods which most likely have a lot of preservatives. If you are lucky to be me and have the opportunity to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and organic meat like me, then always grab that opportunity as such foods are always high in nutrients.

I do believe that sticking to the above will keep anyone trying to lose weight or trying to maintain a healthy weight in the right direction during the festive season! Enjoy but don't overdo it, after all tis the season to be jolly indeed!!!