Just because it’s the holiday season, that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and completely give up on the health and fitness goals you’ve been working so hard to achieve. Yes, summer holidays can be a challenge to keep your health on track. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are ways in which to have fun as well as stay healthy.

You may not even be consciously aware of the challenges faced with the rising temperatures, such as a change in meal times, which can see you eating larger meals late into the evening that your body won’t be able to digest before you head to bed. Also during travelling, you may find that you will snack more often than not, because you’re not on your own schedule. And these sweet or savoury snacks that you buy while out often contain ingredients that are not so good for you or your health goals.

In addition, many of us will drink more alcohol than normal — such as a sneaky gin and tonic, Pimms or wine spritzer during the day, and large glasses of wine over long evening dinners outside when you’re socialising. These few extra drinks may seem harmless, but will also be a catalyst for piling on any excess pounds because of their high sugar content.

So, here’s the secret — a little bit of planning on your part can go a long way to beating the summer holiday binge, as well as any resulting unwanted bulge. And by simply having a little structure to what you will consume, it will help you to be more mindful of any mindless munching that can occur when you’re having fun.

Make It Easy On Yourself

For instance, if you find yourself eating a later dinner than usual, try having your big meal earlier in the day, like a late lunch. This means you won’t be so hungry in the evening. Also stick to the veggies and protein if eating late, as filling up on carbs like pasta and pizza will only leave you feeling bloated because of indigestion and risk inflammation and spikes in blood sugar.

Factor in a green smoothie every morning to make sure that you’re packing in the nutrition before you start eating. Not only will a green smoothie fill you up, but the vitamins and minerals will nourish your cells so that won’t be tempted to overindulge on snacks or tempting desserts.

You can also carry around a small Tupperware box to carry around raw veggies like cherry tomatoes, sticks of celery and baby carrots — bring along a tub of hummus for another treat. You can also carry some fruit like grapes or berries, which you can snack on when you’re out and about. This means you won’t be tempted by crisps, biscuits and other foods that will sneak their way onto your bottom, hips and tummy if you’re not careful.

And, of course, you don’t have to become a healthy eating pariah. Living a healthy life is all about balance, and all or nothing never works. Making choices that are too restrictive or obsessive can cause an unhealthy relationship with food, so allow yourself to enjoy that favourite pudding or treat, just don’t do it every day, or else not only will your waistline suffer, but so will the chances of beating yourself up needlessly.

So, as you can see, there are a handful of ways to beat the summer holiday bulge, as well as have fun while you’re spending time relaxing with friends and family. Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice, not a diet. And choosing the healthy eating lifestyle is what will see you through all the seasons feeling and looking your best ever.

If you would like to some more help and advice on what to do to make healthy eating an everyday enjoyable habit and a way of life all year long, then feel free to call/text me anytime on 07748 298 728 or CLICK HERE.

Love, Gaynor x