It’s just around the corner and you’re so tempted by all the sweet treats, indulgence and alcohol that’s floating around this Christmas party season. BUT! You really want to avoid it all, stay within your goals and feel good going into dreary January.

So… what do you do?

You follow my seven foolproof steps right here…

1. FILL UP ON VEGETABLES

With roast turkey and all the trimmings the meal of the moment this Christmas Day, it is the ideal dish to boost with nutrient packed vegetables. Instead of the roast potatoes, why not try loading your plate with butternut squash, kale, sweet potatoes, asparagus, carrots, cabbage, green beans, mushrooms and of course the Brussells Sprouts – right there you have a plate full of the most amazing flavours and a whole spectrum of nutrients!

Just be careful how you cook your veggies, using a high-quality avocado or coconut oil if roasting, or try steaming as many veggies as possible to ensure their nutritional value is maintained.

Complement your veg fiesta with a homemade gravy (always use the juices from the veggies, juice from the turkey and herbs, pink salt, pepper so it’s more like a jus and very runny but it gives you the moisture and flavour you need) and fresh cranberry sauce. Your body will thank you for these subtle changes!

2. EXPERIMENT WITH A NEW CHRISTMAS MENU

Who says you have to cook turkey? Break some boundaries, think out of the box and show off your culinary flare by doing something different this year. With so very many delicious recipes that are healthy available, you could be giving your family a great gift this year in the form of tasty, nutritional dishes galore! Try gluten/grain/dairy/meat-free if you want – it’s up to you!

See my recent party pics for great ideas for a healthy Christmas buffet.

3. PRACTICE CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION

Eating with conscious consumption is a fantastic way to listen and respond to your body and its needs. Eating mindfully and slowly and being aware of each mouthful as you eat brings your mind to the moment and helps your stomach connect with your brain, allowing you to sense when you feel satisfied. Feel grateful for each taste and flavour, and sensation that you encounter. You’ll be amazed at the effect this has on you!

4. LIMIT THE GLUTEN

If you’ve trained with me, you’ll know that I try and get my clients to eliminate many foods that contain gluten. My B-Fit B-Fabulous 21 Day Weight Loss Plan guides my clients through this process and shows how to carefully and slowly eliminate gluten for optimum fat loss and detoxification.

Gluten is a protein composite found in several types of grains. It really doesn’t agree with everyone and has been shown to cause lethargy, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Gluten has even been linked to some serious autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Just trying to cut down on your gluten intake over Christmas will have a positive effect on your health and digestion. Go on, give it a try! Say no to the bread…

5. SAY NO TO THE SUGAR

One of the most addictive, poisonous substances known to man is out in droves over the Christmas period. Sugar… aka poison. They now believe that excessive sugar consumption is probably the largest factor underlying obesity and chronic disease in the Western world. Sugar damages the immune system, sugar causes mood swings and sugar causes wrinkles via premature ageing! It contributes to ailments such as tooth decay, osteoporosis and heart disease. Found in pre-packaged foods, Christmas junk foods and of course alcohol, refined sugar is toxic, and should be avoided at all costs.

6. LOOK AFTER NUMBER ONE

If you are out dining with friends or family over the Christmas period, don’t feel you have to bend to peer pressure by eating too much of the foods you wouldn’t normally eat. It’s easier to just say no to that second helping, or the sugar laden dessert, or the extra glass of wine. If eating out, suggest a restaurant you know has a great healthy menu. Look online before you go and choose what you’re going to eat before you get there. Don’t be scared to ask for what you want. Swap potatoes for veggies or sweet potatoes etc. You deserve to look after yourself and ultimately your body will thank you for it.

If you’re having friends round and cooking for them, don’t feel pressured to cook unhealthy crowd pleasers. Educate your friends and cook some tasty, delicious healthy food. Experiment and show off your skills with flavour combinations  on a variety of healthy dishes. (Search under ‘recipes’ in the side bar on the right for all the healthy recipes I post).

7. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

Everyone loves to relax and unwind over Christmas but overdoing it with the tipple will leave you feeling sluggish, tired, bloated, dehydrated and probably constantly hungover!

Alcohol depletes the body of essential minerals and nutrients, it zaps your energy and causes weight gain. It’s nasty stuff! If you keep tabs on the amount you consume, you’ll get a good idea of how much you’re drinking, how many calories and how much sugar. Alternatively, you could ditch it altogether, and go for a B-Fit mocktail instead, packed full of feel-good fabulousness! I use coconut water, Nature’s Sunshine Zambrosa, Liquid Chlorophyll in my mocktail and it tastes great!

Have a very happy Christmas and I hope to see you at B-Fit very soon!

For a FREE confidential chat about your goals, nutrition or exercise, call me 07748 298728 or email gaynor@www.b-fit.uk.com