In the run up to Christmas  many women forgo their regular exercise classes in favour of Christmas shopping.  Meals are often forgotten during the day so we end up not eating properly and just grabbing a high calorie “quick fix” snack of chocolate or crisps.

This is compounded by the Christmas celebration continuing for several days.  We visit all our relatives and everybody wants to produce a feast of delicious food and plenty to drink wherever we go!  Christmas indulgence can last from Christmas Eve right through to New Year’s Day.  Work Christmas parties in the week leading up to Christmas can prolong the period further.

If care isn’t taken we can end up several pounds heavier in a very short space of time.  This only adds to the “January Blues” when all the fun is over, we are poorer and fatter!  Just by taking a few precautionary steps, we can control the amount of food we eat, without spoiling the fun.

Try and keep up with the exercise.  Even if you only have 15 minutes, go for a walk, lift a few weights (tins of beans will do!) or skip with a rope.  Walk briskly while you shop and take the stairs, not the lift.

Avoid salty snacks like crisps and peanuts.  They will make you thirsty and more inclined to drink more.  Avoid fizzy drinks as these will boat you.    Before going out to a drinks party, have a healthy meal first.  This will help you avoid snacking on high calorie nibbles and canapés.  Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.  This will keep you hydrated and help you to drink less.

“Eat like the French and don’t gain weight” is a new diet book that suggests eating a little of whatever you fancy.  In other words, enjoy eating festive food but don’t pile your plate full, just have a small amount of everything. In this way you get the delicious taste without over indulging.

Even on Christmas day, get the family out for a walk after lunch.  It will help you digest the food and the fresh air will make you all feel so much better.  There are usually lots of out door activities to do: Boxing Day runs and races or follow a drag hunt.   If not get your bike out and go for a cycle with the children.

If you find you have put on a bit a of weight over Christmas, try not to feel too down about it.  Clever dressing can disguise the extra bulges and it won't take long to get back into a routine of exercise and healthy eating.