days of christmas health and fitness

Although online shopping is handy, the 12 days of Christmas health and fitness guide thinks you should get out and shop in the non virtual world at least a few times over Christmas. Walking around the store, carrying bags and pushing a trolley will mean that you re getting a decent workout without realising it. Plus, looking at the Christmas gifts that are now on offer and listening to the carols in stores is not to be missed.

Today you need to take time to relax. It s an important part of staying healthy and fit during Christmas, not only because it s good for your mind and your stress levels, but also because relaxing and resting will mean that you have enough energy to do exercise on other days. Think about how you enjoy relaxing. You might like a hot, steamy bath, an invigorating exfoliating session or a face mask. You might just like to cosy up in front of a fire or lie down and listen to some music. Whatever you prefer, do it and take some time out tonight.

You don t always have to hit the gym or go for a massive run to keep healthy and fit over the festive season. Today, you should go out with family or friends and get rid of your Christmas tree. Ask your family or friends to carry the tree to your car and then dispose of it safely. Although sad, taking down those decorations is a good way to get moving.

If you re going out for a festive meal tonight try to fit in an exercise session after you ve eaten. Studies show that exercising after you have eaten reduces blood sugar spikes. This means that you re much less likely to reach for those mince pies or crisps and dip later in the evening. If you can t get out for you normal session, you could just suggest going for a walk with the people you ve eaten with.

Time and money are both squeezed during December. Going out into the countryside and foraging for materials you can make into thank you gifts will help you and your family or friends get active and save money this Christmas. The gifts you make will depend upon where you are and materials you have available. Be creative and let your imagination go wild.

A festive picnic is the perfect way to keep healthy and enjoy the Christmas period. If it s too cold to eat outside have an indoor picnic, creating a winter wonderland in your living room by putting up a tent and decorating it with Christmas decorations. In your hamper pack some warm salmon fritters, a flask of squash soup and some mini turkey tartlets made with filo pastry and cranberries. Brandy soaked satsumas, roasted chestnuts and a cranberry, almond and yoghurt coated raisin mix are all great holiday treats.

Christmas often involves kicking back and throwing off your normal restraint. Yet often this means that we indulge in too much mindless eating. When you reach across for another handful of salted peanuts, or tuck into another Christmas biscuit, just think do I really want this? Obviously you should have some treats, but overeating just makes you feel uncomfortable and will mean you have to work harder to get back to your pre Christmas body.

Let loose and dance off any extra party calories. The added bonus is that the more time you spend dancing, the less time you will spend eating and you get to hang out and have fun with your friends while you do it.

Gravitate towards the fruits and vegetable options while eating starchy carbs, sugary and fattening desserts in limited portions. Remember that vegetables, especially broccoli, spinach and some fruits are rich in fiber, which will give you a feeling of fullness. You can add a small side of ranch dressing and drizzle some on your vegetables, instead of dunking your vegetables into your dressing. You ll save on calories and extra fat.

When eating snacks during a party, distance yourself from the tables where all the food is. By staying close to the food, you re more inclined to just reach out and eat without thinking too much about what you re putting in your body.