Tips for fun and Healthy - Mary Thomas

Tips for fun and healthy holidays

by Mary Thomas

• Start your day with 30 minutes of movement - a walk-in nature, a quick HIIT workout or a morning yoga flow. • Arriving at a party hungry is never a good idea. Try your best to eat some fruit/nuts before an event.

Drink a big glass of water with fresh lemon – before your event. • Cook up a healthy sweet treat for friends and family. This will inspire friends and family and prove how delicious healthy food can taste. • Take 3 deep breaths before your meal and remind yourself: the food is not going anywhere.

You can eat more later or tomorrow. You do not have to eat

EVERYTHING now. • Make the best food choices available to you. Replace the fried and sugary options for fresher, grilled options instead. • Ensure half your plate of food is greens and veggies. You and your stomach will feel good. • Enjoy the proteins during the meal – to keep you full and satiated. • Try to have a balanced plate of food – good fats, protein, healthy carbohydrates (low GI and gluten-free if possible) as well as veggies. • Drink wisely. Enjoy 2-3 alcoholic drinks if you wish, and choose red wine or gin, vodka or whiskey with soda water and fresh lemon for a healthier option. Give yourself permission to enjoy unhealthy treats you crave in a moderate amount – eat with mindfulness and joy! Remember you will be going back to eating well tomorrow. Feeling stuffed? Take a 20-minute walk after a big meal to digest. Enjoy some hot water with lemon or peppermint tea post meal.

Everything in moderation, and there’s a perfect balance in this life if we can find it. And enjoy a memorable festive season 2020.