As we approach the end of what, for many of us, has been a tough year we can start to look forward to the festive season and a bit of well earned self-indulgence. There aren’t many who haven’t had a hard 12 months, for one reason of another, and the chance to indulge in all the luxuries and excess of Christmas and New Year are a welcome relief.

 

We all enjoy rich tasty food but does that enjoyment have to turn to gluttony. Unfortunately over indulgence comes at a price. There is no way that we can consume plates piled with rich food washed down with wine without gaining excess fat! It really is that simple. You eat too much, you get fat! It’s not a difficult equation.

 

As a professional athlete who is judged on appearance I know how hard it is to avoid all the tasty goodies that tempt us all. I enjoy good food just as much as anyone (Come on! You didn’t think I’d be eating chicken and rice for Christmas dinner now did you?) and I make a rule at this time of year not to worry about it too much and I’ll have a little of what I fancy. Moderation is the key. There really is no need to have 6 mince pies now is there?  

 

There are of course ways of enjoying Christmas without piling on too much weight. Make sure you have a good breakfast to set you up for the day, a bowl of porridge or scrambled eggs on whole meal toast is ideal. I would also recommend eating small balanced meals over the course of the day to help avoid sugar cravings that are often experienced when we miss meals and then gorge later on. Avoid processed foods as they often contain large amounts of salt, sugar and saturated fats and what is more festive than the smell of home cooked food? In our house we make everything from scratch, the mince pies, gingerbread men, sausage rolls and plenty of other goodies too. It’s a great way for the family to spend time together and it’s fun. Yes I know it all sounds a bit twee but so what. Isn’t Christmas about families coming together and spending time with each other?

 

Regular exercise is another way of keeping off those unwanted saddle bags. I appreciate that we’re not all gym rats like me and not everyone enjoys the gym. There are however loads of alternatives. A nice brisk 45 minute walk three or four times a week, swimming, cycling, salsa dancing, badminton, squash or even pole dancing for the more adventurous…the list really is endless so there is no non medical reason for you not to exercise on a regular basis. In the last 25 years I’ve heard EVERY excuse going but it really just boils down to laziness. How many times have you driven somewhere that you could very easily walk to? The trick is to find something you enjoy so that it doesn’t become a chore and make time to do it on a regular basis.

 

Be honest with yourself. If you are unfit or over weight find something that suits you at this moment, you can always increase your exercise as you get fitter. Make lots a slow small steps to begin with, pace yourself, and don’t jump in at the deep end for most of us will sink! Age and gender also have a big effect on how food and exercise affect us so take these factors into consideration when making choices. When it comes to making changes to your eating patterns take you time and alter foods slowly on a weekly basis that way you can see what is happening and you will also know the reason why. If you change everything all at the same time you maybe eliminating things that work well for you and adding things that don’t work so well but because you’ve changed everything you will have no way of knowing what has worked and what hasn’t.

 

Listed below are a few tips to help get you started.